893.00/13097: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 23—10:30 a.m.]
212. The assassination in the Japanese concession at Tientsin on May 3 of two Chinese editors reported to have been engaged in anti-Nanking propaganda has been strongly denounced in Japanese official and private circles. Colonel Giga and Major Takahashi are reported to have conferred on May 9 regarding the matter with high officers of the Tientsin Japanese military headquarters. On May 8 according to a report a military attaché of the Japanese Legation office at Shanghai stated that “Japan could not pass over the assassinations in silence inasmuch as it has become apparent that Chinese officials were behind the murders”. Giga is said to have stated on the same day at Shanhaikwan that the general belief was that murders were committed “either by members of the Blue Coat Society or by persons despatched by the Chinese authorities”. He states that the Japanese had demanded an inquiry by the Chinese authorities and that “It is understood that the Japanese authorities will call the Chinese to account after the receipt of a reply.”
The Legation was reliably informed yesterday that Takahashi states evidence already obtained implicates high Chinese officials. It is now [Page 180] reported that the Japanese were considering demanding the resignation and withdrawal from North China of those concerned. It is understood that the matter is assuming significant proportions at this time and that important developments may ensue. A report is current today that Japanese military officers yesterday conferred in Tientsin regarding measures to be taken and it is stated that the Japanese intend to lodge a strong protest with the Chinese authorities and demand the withdrawal of the branch political council from Peiping and the Blue Coat Society and Tangpu from North China.
Repeated to Nanking. By mail to Tientsin and Tokyo.