Office of the Historian

793.94/5936: Telegram

The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State

Peiping, February 28, 1933—10 a.m.
[Received February 28—2:10 a.m.]

191. My 172, February 21, 3 p.m.36 Drysdale37 returned last night reports forces of Tang Yu-lin as retreating from Chaoyang in a westerly direction towards Chihfeng leaving forces of Chang Hseuh-liang to meet Japanese main thrust Chaoyang, Lingyuan, Pingchwan, Chengteh. Chinese first line of resistance at Lingyuan. Chinese plan contemplates Japanese advance Shanhaikwan, Lulung, Fengjun, Yiitien, Sanho, Tungchow-Peiping Road, aimed at cutting off Peiping-Jehol communications. It is not expected that Japanese thrust inside Wall will occur unless Japanese thrust from Chaoyang is held up. Drysdale reports civilian population as far as Lingyuan and beyond calm while Chinese forces moving forward to positions with determination and desire to fight. Chief weakness Chinese forces lies in supply and leadership. Chinese now concentrating with the assistance of Nanking on problem of supply.

By mail to Tokyo.

Please inform War Department confidentially.

Johnson
  1. Not printed.↩
  2. Lieut. Col. Walter S. Drysdale, Military Attaché in China.↩