893.00/13534: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in China (Peck) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 12—4:23 a.m.]
179. The Minister of Finance informed me confidentially yesterday that he received a visit from General Kita, Japanese Military Attaché, a few days ago and the Military Attaché with evident satisfaction inquired how Kung liked the latest political maneuver of the Southwest under the disguise of a pretended anti-Japanese expedition. Kung asked how he knew the anti-Japanese character of the move was only a pretended [expedition?] and the Military Attaché said evasively that the Japanese had means of knowing this. Kung warned that even if the anti-Japanese aspect were only pretended, nevertheless it might fan widespread anti-Japanese feeling in China into activity and thus imperil Japanese subjects scattered throughout China.
Repeated to Peiping.