793.94/5928: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 27—4:45 a.m.]
186. Following three telegrams have been received from American Consul General at Mukden:
“February 25, 5 p.m. Military spokesman today announced that troops from Chinchow garrison occupied Peipiao February 24th and Chaoyang this noon, encountering very little resistance. The railway suffered practically no damage. Indications are that all irregulars are falling back to first main line defenses extending roughly from Chihfeng through Chienping and Wukungpu to border. All Japanese columns are expected to reach this line in about 1 week’s time unless delayed by unlooked-for opposition.
Combined Japanese-Manchukuo force occupied Kailu yesterday and is advancing south and west by all roads.
This morning General Muto issued a statement indicating that if Chang Hsueh-liang reenforces his regulars in Jehol and attacks the Japanese troops North China may become involved”.
“February 26, 11 a.m. Referring to the last paragraph of my telegram February 25, 5 p.m., General Muto’s statement according to Manchukuo news agency translation, after outlining conditions in [Page 212] Jehol and the necessity of adopting pacific measures which are described as a domestic affair of Manchukuo contains inter alia the following:
‘The Japanese troops, however, are absolutely opposed to carrying their military operations outside Manchukuo territory. However, every one must agree that should the authorities in North China undertake positive military action against our troops hostilities may inevitably spread to North China.’
This statement seems to be a warning that military operations will be extended to North China if serious resistance is encountered in Jehol and also a movement towards the elimination of Chang.
Manchukuo Foreign Minister telegraphed a similar warning to Nanking and Chang Hsueh-liang.”
“February 26, 5 p.m. Military spokesman reports that Japanese column from Sunlingchung started moving forward this morning and that all other columns have continued to advance without encountering considerable resistance. According to an unconfirmed report a Japanese detachment from Shanhaikwan is moving all along Wall to cut off retreating irregulars.”