793.94/7164: Telegram
The Second Secretary of Legation in China (Atcheson) to the Secretary of State
202. Since June 26, Huang Shao-hsiung, Chen Yi, Hsiung Shih-hui and Chang Chun, respectively chairmen of the Provincial Governments of Chekiang, Fukien, Kiangsi and Hupeh, has [have] been conferring with Government leaders in Nanking and Shanghai ostensibly in regard to conditions in their provinces, and the Chekiang chairman is now en route to Chengtu to see Chiang Kai-shek.
I am confidentially informed that last week in Shanghai this group conferred with officials of the Japanese Embassy and decided, as a possible means of gaining China at least a temporary respite from further Japanese encroachments, to recommend to the Chinese Government acceptance of a Japanese proposal that the Chinese and Japanese Governments draw up a protocol providing inter alia for mutual defense in case of attack by [a] third party. The informant states the proposal does not have the approval of Wang Ching-wei and that the purpose of Huang Shao-hsiung’s journey to Chengtu is to seek the approval of Chiang Kai-shek. He predicts that if any such protocol is signed the appointment of Japanese military advisers to the Chinese Army will inevitably follow in time.
To the Legation and Department. To Tokyo by mail.
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