793.04/6092: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 25—2:30 a.m.]
67. Major Generals Itagaki and Okamura of the Kwantung Army have recently come to Tokyo where it is reported that the purpose of their visit is to persuade the home Government to permit military operations south of the Wall, without which the Kwantung Army will be unable effectively to eliminate the Chinese resistance to the Japanese occupation of Jehol. The Japanese consider themselves to be in a difficult tactical position on the Wall. Ariyoshi, Japanese Minister to China, and Suma, First Secretary of Legation, are also en route to Tokyo, presumably to take part in discussion. A decision whether or not to operate south of the Wall is expected in the near future. The Military Attaché believes that limited operations south of the Wall will probably be authorized.