793.94/9010
Memorandum by Mr. Myrl S. Myers of the Division of Far Eastern Affairs
Colonel Bratton, of M. I. D.,4 has telephoned that the War Department has just received a telegram from Colonel Stilwell, Military Attaché at Peiping, to the effect that 4,600 Japanese troops have arrived in Tientsin and that indications are that this movement is about completed; further, that on July 14, 3,500 Japanese troops and 12 guns left Tientsin for the Peiping area by highway; that it is estimated that the total north China garrison is now about 12,000 strong. It was also stated that the probable intention of the Japanese is the expulsion of the 29th Army from the Peiping area;5 that there has definitely been no Japanese troop movement from Japan or from Korea to north China; and that General Sung Che-yuan is still in Tientsin (apparently carrying on negotiations with General Kazuki). The message stated also that there has been no confirmation of the rumored movement of Chinese troops into Hopei Province.
Colonel Bratton added that the troops which were sent from Jehol comprised a reenforced battalion, which unit has joined the Japanese forces at Fengtai. Colonel Bratton stated further that it would appear that unless Chiang Kai-shek moves Chinese troops north of Paoting, capital of Hopei Province, there would appear to be little likelihood of major military operations.