893.00/13786: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 18—10:30 a.m.]
361. Following is based on press releases at Nanking.
Donald has returned by plane to Sian to continue mediation efforts. T. V. Soong and Madame Kung are attending a Soong family conference at Nanking with Madame Chiang and Kung regarding safety of Chiang. Yu Yu Jen,8 aged statesman, telegraphed Chang Hsueh Liang and Yang Hu Cheng to send delegates to meet him at Loyang for discussion for settlement of the issue. Chang Hsueh Liang telegraphed wife of Chen Cheng, Vice Minister of War, that Chen is safe. Rebels have started attack on Government troops moving against Sian, destroyed railroads and bridges west of Huahsien. Kung stated in a broadcast in English that Chiang was in good health, that the new life movement had aroused national consciousness against internal strife which would weaken defense of Suiyuan, that strong action against rebels would prove solidarity of China, that Government will proceed with vigor along policies formulated by Chiang, that a new national unity has arisen out of the crisis. Kung further stated: “Our attitude is that the personal safety of Government’s one man should not be allowed to interfere with normal conduct of the Government.” Government mandate ordered Ho Ying Chin to launch punitive campaign against Chang and appointed him Commander-in-Chief thereof. General Chiang Ting Wen arrived Nanking 11:45 a.m. He reported Generalissimo well and all other Government leaders safe. Kao Tsung Wu and Suma continue Sino-Japanese conferences in Nanking.
To Peiping by mail.
- President of the Chinese Control Yuan.↩