893.00/12587: Telegram

The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State

920. Consul at Foochow reports December 19, 1 p.m., that the Fukien movement has not yet developed an antiforeign trend and [Page 488] that according to some is ended. The military are friendly. He further states that reports are current to the effect, (1) the Nineteenth Route Army has withdrawn to Yenping leaving cities to the west of Yenping to Communists, (2) local courts are dealing less favorably with wealthy creditors and more favorably with debtors, (3) soldiers in Communists’ uniforms have been seen in Foochow and, (4) the Navy and the Nineteenth Route Army have reached an agreement whereby the Navy will reoccupy the Changmen forts and pagoda anchorage.

Johnson