893.00/13797: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5 p.m.]
363. Following is based on press releases at Nanking:
Holograph letters brought from Generalissimo to Madame Chiang and Ho Ying Chin by Chiang Ting Wen request delay of bombing air raids until after Saturday as he anticipates return by that time. Consequently active hostilities have ceased but Government troops are still concentrating east of Sian. Chiang Ting Wen reported that Generalissimo had four times been approached by the young marshal for a reply to demands but was each time rebuffed on the basis that latter should release Chiang Kai Shek or otherwise might as well admit treachery and kill him.
Sun Fo replied to a telegram of December 13 from rebels asking him to proceed to Sian, strongly demanding prompt return of Generalissimo to Nanking before any discussion.
Feng Yu Hsiang received telegraphic information from Sian that Shao Yuan Chung,13 reported to have been killed in the revolt Saturday, was only slightly wounded.
Central Publicity Department man issued manifesto giving the following reason for punitive expedition against Sian rebels: (1) to pledge national loyalty to Generalissimo; (2) to uphold discipline of the state; (3) to exterminate remaining bandits for benefit of the people; (4) to preserve uniformity and complete national recovery; [Page 438] (5) to adhere to policy of national salvation. It states further that Sian revolt will not prevent rejuvenation of the country or impair great task accomplished by Generalissimo and asks full national support to Government for further resistance against foreign aggression, removal of traitors and continuous support to Suiyuan defenders.
Troops of Chang Hsueh Liang from North Shensi and East Kansu are taking up defensive positions at Sua-hsien east of Sian but mobilization in the west is proceeding with difficulty.
Irregulars heavily attacked Chinese lines in eastern Suiyuan but were repulsed. A further drive expected soon.
Sent to the Department, to Peiping by mail.
- Kuomintang Central Executive Committee member.↩