793.94/7347: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in China (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 6—1:50 p.m.]
121. Embassy’s 116, November 4, 3 p.m. Takahashi yesterday admitted to a local press representative that Japanese gendarmes have arrested various Chinese in Peiping because of alleged connection of the latter with the Blue Shirt Society. Takahashi also stated that these arrests were made not with the permission but “with the understanding of the Chinese authorities”. The arrested persons are said to be under detention at the Japanese gendarmerie headquarters for examination. The Chinese authorities it is stated have also made some arrests. Among those arrested is a brother of ex-mayor Yuan, according to today’s press.
Takahashi further said that Yuan had not resigned in compliance with a Japanese demand but because of the Japanese attack on him with regard to Blue Shirts and Tangpu members under him and that there had been no demand for the abolition of the Branch Military Council but that he considered the Council a superfluous organ.
Repeated Nanking, by mail to Tokyo.