793.94/6973: Telegram

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

117. Peiping’s 211, May 23, noon and my 116, May 23, 5 p.m. Suma of Japanese Embassy stated last evening that while he had no detailed information there has undoubtedly been a “clash” near Tsunhua between Japanese troops from outside the Great Wall and Sun Yung-chin’s men and that latter were being driven south. He seemed to adopt attitude that this is a “local matter” of little importance, constant trouble being characteristic of the demilitarized zone, but he made a point of mentioning that the murder of the two Chinese editors in Tientsin was a “very serious” one and it is alleged that the crimes were committed by the so-called Blue Shirts. … In any case it seems doubtful whether at this time Chiang or any responsible Chinese official would order the murder of Chinese editors on account of pronouncements favorable to a Sino-Japanese rapprochement.

For the Minister:
Atcheson