893.00/12531: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 22—2:33 a.m.]
865. Reference Legation’s 864, November 21, 1 p.m. Following telegrams have been received from Vice Consul at Foochow: [Page 467]
“November 20, 5 p.m. My November 18, 3 p.m. A mass meeting estimated at 20,000 was held this morning, principally of soldiers and students. Guild representatives found it advisable to be present. The following were the principal speakers: Eugene Chen, Chen Ming-shu, Li Chi-shen, Tsai Ting-kai, Chiang Kuang-nai, Admiral Sah Chen-ping and Huang Chi-hsiang, representative of Madame Sun.
The themes of the speeches were: Down with the Kuomintang, down with the Nanking Government, down with Chiang Kai-shek and opposition to Japan. It was declared that the spirit of Teng Yen Ta of Hankow fame would never die.”
“November 21, 11 p.m. Peck’s telegram received today at 6:50. My telegrams not subject to censorship and have been accepted by telegraph office.
Although all indications are that independent government has been established here, still no definite proof of declaration of independence can be found after diligent search. My British colleague is also of this opinion. Reports here conflicting and facts fairly well concealed. Now reported that formal declaration of independence will be issued November 22 and that new flag will be flown. New flag has upper fieldpieces red and lower half with yellow star center. Nineteenth Route Army has taken over pagoda anchorage and forts at entrance to Min River from the Navy. Chen Ming-shu now reported not to have attended mass meeting yesterday morning on account of illness. Salt Gabelle has been taken over by the local authorities but not customs as yet. A new superintendent of customs has been appointed.”