793.94/6237: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 28—7:18 a.m.]
387. My 377, April 26, 5 p.m. Lampson, Wilden and I dined last night with Vice Minister Liu Chung-cheh. There were present Generals Ho Ying-chin, Sung Che-yuan, Shang Chen, Huan Shao-hsiung and others of the commanding officers of the forces now occupying the line from Kupeikow to the Lwan River. Mr. Chen Kung-po, Minister of Industries, was also present. Chen informed me that he had come north because of rumored political intrigues reported in my 345, April 20, 2 p.m.8 He stated that that situation had been more or less liquidated but intimated that it was of greater importance than the fighting at the front. Chinese still hold Nantienmen and are shifting forces from Lwan River area to Kupeikow front to reenforce troops now fighting there. All present seemed in good spirits and General Sung took particular pains explaining to me that all were cooperating together in defensive operations and branded reports of disaffection among their number as being Japanese propaganda intended to weaken public spirit.
Chen Kung-po informed Lampson that Nanking desired cessation of hostilities but would not be party to any written understanding on this question fearing commitments which might jeopardize their position in regard to Manchuria, Jehol and related questions. Lampson intends to see Nakayama shortly to ascertain whether he has any suggestions [Page 296] of a concrete nature to make. Lampson has received from London approval of his actions thus far but commenting on general question substantially along the lines of your 133, April 25, 6 p.m.
None of us is able to understand Japanese withdrawal from Lwan River sector except on the theory that having driven Chinese forces from the hills they are now withdrawing to Wall and intend to strike at any new movement of Chinese troops within that area. It would appear that Japanese desire to see demilitarized zone on the Chinese side of Wall.
- Not printed.↩