793.94/5977: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 6—2:45 a.m.]
216. My 204, March 3, 11 a.m., and subsequent telegrams. Japanese forces using motorcars to move troops from point to point occupied Jehol city with 200 odd men about noon on the 4th. Rapid advance of Japanese aided by lack of cooperation between forces of Tang Yu-lin and other Chinese forces in Jehol. Chinese population of Jehol hostile to Tang Yu-lin, aided and welcomed Japanese attack on him. Japanese effort limited to keeping Chinese forces on the move, preventing looting and destruction of life and property which thus far they have succeeded in doing. Forces of Chang Hsueh-liang now engaged in effort to prevent fleeing and disorganized soldiery from penetrating into Hopei and Chahar. It is anticipated that the countryside hereabouts will become dangerous due to wandering bands of defeated soldiers still armed but in plain clothes. All Americans safe.