893.00/13740: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 24—3:50 p.m.]
572. Embassy’s 569, November 23, 6 p.m.65 Today’s Chinese press reports that an attack was launched yesterday on Wuchuan and Ku-yang, North Suiyuan, by Chahar forces operating from Pailingmiao, and that additional Chahar forces are moving up from the rear by motor truck. (A foreigner recently returned from Jehol reports having seen between 100 and 200 new heavy trucks lined up in a terrace yard at Chengteh, and states that he was informed that about 2,000 trucks are in service in Jehol and Chahar.) A foreign source confirms the report that National Government troops have arrived at Tatung, North Shansi, but numbers and destination of the troops are unknown.
Information from Tungchow purports that new flag, said to be the five-barred flag of the Republic, will be raised there tomorrow on the [Page 388] occasion of the celebration of the first anniversary of the East Hopei autonomous government. A circular telegram allegedly signed by Teh Wang and Cho Shih Hai was issued under date of November 17 and announced the formal assumption by Teh Wang of the post of Commander-in-Chief of the Mongol banner armies. That telegram in general accuses the National Government of faithlessness in dealing with the Mongols, and states that on November 9 the Mongols, “having reached the limit of their patience”, communicated to the Suiyuan Provincial Government five demands:
- (1)
- Return to the jurisdiction of the Chahar Mongol Council of the four Mongol banners now under Suiyuan control;
- (2)
- Destruction of the military defenses which have been erected by the Suiyuan authorities in East Suiyuan and south of Pailingmiao, and cessation of the “economic blockade” against the latter place;
- (3)
- Return of the munitions seized by the Suiyuan authorities from mutinied Peace Preservation Corps troops from Pailingmiao last spring;
- (4)
- Payment by Suiyan of $200,000 due for the expenses of the Pailingmiao Mongol Council; and
- (5)
- Punishment of those involved in the Pailingmiao mutiny.
The telegram states in conclusion that there is no intention of rebellion, but that the oppressions of Suiyuan must cease.
By mail to Tokyo.
- Not printed.↩