793.94/7702: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
44. Embassy’s 33, January 23, 5 p.m.
1. Two councilors of Sung Che Yuan state in conversation that the Japanese military are continuing to press Sung hard for a declaration of complete autonomy and that Sung is still loathe to do so.
One of the informants states that Sung definitely will not comply and that this will result in the instigation of disturbances by the Japanese for the purpose of effecting a way out of the seeming deadlock.
2. The Consul at Tsinanfu has sent the following telegram:
“February 3, 11 a.m. Han Fu Chu, said to be inspecting troops at Liaochenghan, and Sung Che Yuan, said to be sweeping tombs at Loling, are reliably reported to have conferred in Tehchow February 1st. Speculation rife in informed circles whether the purpose of the conference was to arrange closer cooperation in resistance to or acceptance of Japanese demands.”
3. Details of conversations between Japanese and Yin Ju Keng and Sung’s men and between Japanese and Shansi and Shantung officials are lacking. It is understood that Doihara intends to remain in Hopei for some time. The Chief of Staff of the Japanese North China Garrison went yesterday to Yin’s so-called capital. Conversations at Tokyo of Japanese military, including Major General Iso-gai, Japanese Military Attaché, and Lieutenant Colonel Ikeda, staff officer of the North China Garrison, are regarded as having significance in connection with the future course of the Japanese military in North China.
4. Embassy’s 40, January 30, 4 p.m., paragraph 1. It is learned from local official source that the post office has received a request from the Hopei-Chahar Political Council for a complete accounting of all receipts and expenditures as from January 1st. The post office has requested instructions from Nanking.
By mail to Tokyo.
- Telegram in two sections.↩