793.94/7447: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
185. Embassy’s 182, November 27, 5 p.m. Two hundred more Japanese troops arrived at Tientsin later yesterday afternoon. It is not believed that these units are replacements. There are a few Japanese soldiers still at Fengtai. However, there are no reports today of further Japanese military movements. Passenger trains at least are running on schedule, although it is understood that care is being taken to prevent unusual removal of rolling stock southward from the Peiping-Mukden line.
- 2.
- It would now appear that the purposes of the Japanese troop movements have been, (1) to prevent rumored removal southward by Chinese of railway rolling stock, and (2) to frighten Nanking and/or North China leaders into agreement with Japanese wishes.
- 3.
- Responsible Chinese and Japanese say that Sung has declined Hsu’s [Nanking’s?] appointment as Pacification Commissioner of Chahar and Hopei. This is possible in conformity with Chinese courtesy but it seems more likely that he is dissatisfied with Nanking’s recent effort to solve the North China situation. An official of the now defunct Military Council states that Sung is delaying acceptance until Shang Chen is out of office. Shang is understood to have already submitted his resignation as Provincial Chairman and it is expected that a member of the Chahar clique will take his place. Han and Yen are reported to have declined Sung’s invitation to confer with him at Peiping. There is good reason to believe that Sung has an understanding with Yin Ju-keng. It seems improbable that Sung will delay much longer in declaring a regime of his own.
- 4.
- The Assistant Military Attaché, Takahashi, has been ordered home after less than a year at this post. Chinese sources claim the reason is that the Kwantung Army is dissatisfied with this Tokyo appointee.
Repeated to Nanking and Tokyo.
Johnson
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