793.94/6270: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 11—7:12 a.m.]
420. My 417, May 10, 4 p.m. An unidentified airplane flying at great height believed to have been Japanese military plane passed over Peiping flying from north to south and back again at about 5:30 this morning. Shots were fired at plane by anti-aircraft machine guns mounted on northeast city wall. Plane dropped numerous handbills in east section of the city which were promptly gathered up by police. One of these bills has come into my possession through a Chinese employee of the Legation residing in that section of the city. Handbill opens by quoting proverb to the effect that those who are in the right gain help while those who are in the wrong will lack assistance. Invites attention to conditions in China where militarists have been despotic and have usurped authority, people oppressed and soldiers driven to the battlefields. States:
“Our Japan-Manchukuo allied army has marshaled its soldiers and addressed themselves to deliver the people of our friendly country from the hands of tyrants. Wherever our great army has gone those who were hostile to us have been completely routed. This is clear evidence to prove that those who gain the good will of the people will prosper while those who do not will fail”.
Handbill goes on to state that spirit of Japanese-Manchukuo soldiers is very high, their weapons excellent while China and her militarists, a motley force without discipline, can by no means resist.
“You, soldiers, are merely made fun of by Chiang Kai-shek, one person. He borrows your heads to extend his personal power. Should you still fail to be awakened at an early date, to separate yourselves from your army and to become a new people your successor then, our great army, will advance on a punitive campaign, your leader will be exterminated, the good and the evil will alike come to harm and all will lose your stupid lives due to the failure of Chiang Kai-shek, one person.”
Handbill ends with following:
“Our army takes pity upon you impressed soldiers and is distributing [Page 316] this sincere and solemn commandment. It is hoped that you soldiers will not be silenced any longer lest you might suffer from meaningless sacrifices. Moreover we are all Eastern Asiatic people. Since we have the same language and belong to the same race we should live and prosper together. Why should we slaughter each other? If Chiang continues to be violent and if he fails to repent his error it is feared that the tragedy of Kupeikou will occur at Peiping and at Tientsin.”