793.94/5753: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 16—4:05 a.m.]
53. Reuter from Shanghai, 15th:
“In a manifesto addressed to the people of China the so-called Soviet Government of China says that Chinese Red armies are willing to fight with Government troops against Japanese invasion provided the advance of Government forces against Soviet districts is immediately stopped, the people are granted democratic rights and armed volunteer detachments created to struggle for the defense of the independence and unity of China. Manifesto declares that Japan aims at complete dismemberment and subjugation of whole of China. Statement is signed by General Mao Tse-tung, chairman of the Provisional Soviet Government of China, and Chu Teh, Chairman of the Revolutionary Military Council of the Workers’ and Peasants’ Red armies”.