793.94/6194: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 19—9:25 a.m.]
83. 1. It does not now appear that the reported efforts of General Koiso, Chief of Staff of the Kwantung Army, now in Tokyo to obtain substantial reinforcements in Manchuria will be successful. Latest indications are that the Japanese Army along the Great Wall will not be increased and that operations in North China will not extend beyond the foothills south of the Wall. The Japanese intend, however, to drive all Chinese forces beyond the hills and to break up any military units in that region which appear to be a menace. The Japanese will make no statement to that effect because they believe that the Chinese would take military advantage of the information.
2. The Japanese state that they do not anticipate any serious difficulties with the Soviet over the Chinese Eastern Railway. The Foreign Office is of the opinion that the matter can be settled locally between the Russian and Manchukuo authorities. The Japanese will disclaim any responsibility for the actions of the Manchukuo officials, and will suggest that the difficulties be settled by reference to the agreement which the Russians made with Chang Hsueh-liang [Chang Tso-lin] in 1924.98 I am informed that the Japanese reply to the Soviet memorandum can be expected in about a week and that its tenor will be as indicated above.
Second paragraph repeated to Peiping.
- See telegram No. 377, October 4, 1924, 5 p.m., from the Chargé in China, Foreign Relations, 1924, vol. i, p. 510.↩