793.94/7037: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
Nanking, June 13, 1935—3
p.m.
[Received June 13—1:40 p.m.]
[Received June 13—1:40 p.m.]
153. My 151, June 13, 1 p.m., paragraph 2.
- 1.
- It is reported that when presenting agreement for Ho’s signature on June 11, Takahashi suggested that rejection of the fresh stipulations might make necessary a reorganization of the National Government to provide a régime with Tuan Chi-jui75 as chairman and that this evidence of the insatiable character of Japanese ambitions was a determining factor in the decision of the Central Political Council, referred to in paragraph 1 of my 151. This report states that the fresh requirements of the Japanese included, one, that China should cease relying upon Western powers to counteract Japanese activities, and another that Japanese should be invited to participate in any foreign loan made to China.
- 2.
- There is speculation here whether, in the event of Sino-Japanese clash in the North, Yen Hsi-shan, his adherent Shang Chen and Han Fu-chu would remain loyal to National Government. Han, however, is apparently in bad odor with the Japanese; Suma of the Japanese [Page 237] Legation states that Han is “involved” with Yu Hsueh-chung and that unless he takes care the Chinese will “lose everything, Shantung also.”
- 3.
- Suma states further that there is no possibility of the Chinese attempting armed resistance against Japanese troops in North China and that any announced rejection of Japanese demands will be for face-saving purposes and without substance.
- 4.
- Central Political Council last night decided to send Tang Yu-jen to Szechwan to see Chiang Kai-shek but altered this decision because of time element and despatched a lengthy telegram to Chiang asking his instructions. It is said that the question of armed resistance will depend upon Chiang’s reply.
For the Minister:
Atcheson
- Provisional Chief Executive at Peking, November 1924–April 1926.↩