793.94/7580: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
Peiping, December 27, 1935—3
p.m.
[Received December 27—2 p.m.]
[Received December 27—2 p.m.]
247. Embassy’s 243, December 23, 4 p.m.
- 1.
- Hopei-Chahar Political Council appointed Chen Chueh-cheng acting managing director of the Peiping-Mukden Railway without prior approval of the National Government. Chen assisted by some 20 members of the Peace Preservation Corps and some 20 railway men took over the Tientsin offices of the railway December 26. Chen, who is an adviser of General Sung, has a Japanese mother and has been an important negotiator between the Japanese and Sung’s group. The act was perhaps hastened by the knowledge that the Minister of Railways was to arrive at Tientsin this morning. This act may be the beginning of a series of acts by which the Hopei-Chahar Political Council will take over charge of various organs hitherto controlled by the National Government. Each act will increase the indefinite character of the Sung regime.
- 2.
- Yin Ju-keng declared December 26 vacancy in his autonomous Government and he has assumed the title of Governor. This is presumably intended to indicate an even greater independence of his regime than heretofore existed.
- 3.
- There are unconfirmed reports that Teh Wang declared a few days ago the independence of the Mongolian autonomous Political Council. If this has not yet taken place it is anticipated that it may shortly occur as there is little if any possibility that Teh [Wang] will find relief from Japanese pressure on him to effect this step.
- 4.
- Doihara is reported to have left Tientsin December 26 for Hsinking for consultation.
By mail to Tokyo.
Johnson