793.94/6874: Telegram
The Consul General at Tientsin (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State
Tientsin, February 15,
1935—noon.
[Received February 15—7:58 a.m.]
[Received February 15—7:58 a.m.]
- 1.
- Major General Doihara left Tientsin February 13 for Tsingtau, Shanghai and Nanking. Confidential authoritative sources allege his mission to be as follows: As a representative of Kwantung Army to assure Chinese authorities that Kwantung Army will not come south of Great Wall and in the interest of Sino-Japanese relations to investigate boycott and other conditions throughout North and Central China and to cultivate good feeling.
- 2.
- Doihara while in Tientsin was cordially received and entertained by Chinese officials, but whether any fresh settlements or decisions as a result of conferences with North China leaders were reached has not been officially revealed but indications are that discussions took place on issues involving so-called demilitarized zone such as activities of ruffians in zone, retrocession of Malanyu and replacement of armed police. Unconfirmed newspaper reports state today, however, that agreement on policy of this Government of demilitarized zone and type of arms to be used have since been concluded.
- 3.
- Careful investigations here fail to confirm Shanghai press reports of revolt of “Manchukuo” troops stationed at Chinchow although well-informed Chinese admit possibility of bandit disturbances near that city which is center of such activities. Copy to Legation.
Lockhart