893.00/13525: Telegram
The Consul General at Canton (Spiker) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 10—1:55 p.m.]
Referring to my telegram of June 10, 7 p.m.,23 mobilization proclamation of Marshals Pai and Li made public today announcing, first, that wherever their army penetrates there all relations with Japan shall cease and all humiliating agreements made with Japan be null and void; second, that resistance to Japan is the sole purpose of northern expedition since Kwangsi is opposed to all forms of civil strife; third, that all anti-Japanese forces, of whatever province and irrespective of affiliation, are welcome to join Kwangsi in its crusade, and fourth, that no individual or armed force will be molested as the army progresses unless they be traitors to the Chinese people.
2. Marshal Chen continues to avoid any commitments, the Kwangsi leaders being spokesmen and leaders of the advance into Honan. Kwangtung forces believed concentrated on or very near provincial border. It is known that Chen is seeking to purchase very large amount of cement for immediate delivery, presumably for construction of defences. Increasing belief locally that Chen is using every effort not to be drawn into actual conflict with Nanking. Canton remains quiet but apprehensive. Sent to Embassy and Hankow.
- Not found in Department files.↩