793.94/5974: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 5—5:10 a.m.]
214. Chinese authorities announced here last night that Chengteh, capital of Jehol Province, was occupied by Japanese yesterday noon. Peiping Chronicle this morning ascribes raid [rapid] advance of Japanese to political intrigues rather than military successes and accuses General Tang Yu-lin of hampering supply service by commandeering motor trucks for removal of his personal property. It also asserts that inhabitants of Jehol were dissatisfied with Tang Yu-lin’s oppressive administration; that many secretly assisted Japanese by acting as guides, cutting Chinese telegraphs and setting fire to villages.
General Ho Ying-chin, Minister of War, is expected from Nanking this afternoon to consult with Marshal Chang Hsueh-liang regarding military situation.