793.94/6998: Telegram
The Minister in China ( Johnson ) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 2—6:52 a.m.]
236. Legation’s 233, June 1, 4 p.m., paragraph 3. From a responsible foreigner in the confidence of Chinese officials it is confirmed today that Chiang Kai-shek has telegraphed Ho Ying-chin ordering immediate disbandment Third gendarmerie with headquarters at Tientsin. Some of these form bodyguard for Ho at Peiping. It is also learned that following leaders of the Tangpu have precipitately fled from this area: Chen Hsih-chuan, Chen Hai-hsien, Chen Tzuming … and Tsao Kwang-wu. Same authority states one train containing archives and part of personnel Provincial Government left Tientsin yesterday for Paoting and that another train will leave today. This has not yet been confirmed. It is also stated that Nanking authorities instructed Ho Ying-chin to request Yu Hsueh-chung’s resignation but that Yu has refused to resign. Reported but not confirmed [Page 199] that Yu is leaving immediately for Hankow to consult Chang Hsueh-liang and possibly Chiang Kai-shek.
Repeated to Nanking and Tokyo.