793.94/6286: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 18—2:40 a.m.]
446. Reuter from Shanghai 17th:
“Interviewed by Chinese press here this evening spokesman of Japanese Legation emphasized that Japan regarded Great Wall as boundary between China and Manchukuo. He said Japanese attack inside Wall was only intended to compel Chinese troops to refrain from attacking Manchukuo border and he declared that Japanese operations would cease if responsible Chinese leader was able to guarantee cessation of hostilities by Chinese troops thus preventing war operations from spreading to Peiping. He said Chinese authorities in North China intimated a desire to arrange armistice but as Chinese Government was determined to continue fighting Japan was unable to consider these peace overtures at present.”