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Memorandum by the Ambassador in China (Johnson) of a Conversation With the Japanese Ambassador in China (Ariyoshi)96
In the course of conversation with Mr. Ariyoshi he remarked that conditions in North China were tending to settle down. There were one or two small matters left to be settled, one relating to air transportation between “Manchukuo” and China, which was part of the Tangku Truce. He casually stated that it would all be so much simpler if China would recognize “Manchukuo”, as this would help to settle many of the border questions. Japan, he said, was not interested in starting a separatist government in North China, although there were a great many Chinese officials who were out of jobs and were prepared to intrigue with the Japanese military.
- Copy transmitted to the Department by the Ambassador in China, in his despatch No. 54, October 25; received November 18.↩