793.94/7389: Telegram

The Counselor of Embassy in China ( Lockhart ) to the Secretary of State

154. Embassy’s 151, November 16, noon. Following telegram has been received from the Consul General at Mukden:

“November 17, 11 a.m. Embassy’s telegram of November 16, 1 p.m. I am informed by reliable Chinese that night movements of troop trains through Mukden to Shanhaikwan have been occurring for last 3 nights and that as many as 5,000 troops may be involved. He added that preparations are being made for the concentration at Chinchou by November 24 of 1,000 railway operatives to take over Shanhaikwan-Peiping Railway in case of necessity. Japanese sources yield little specific information; all agree that the situation is grave and may lead to intervention. An official connected with mission told me that for some time troops have been held in readiness for emergencies.”

Repeated to Nanking, Shanghai and Tokyo.

Lockhart