893.00/13965: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 6—10:10 a.m.]
63. It is learned from a reliable source that factional fighting persists in Sian. A circular telegram sent out by the leading generals [Page 23] in Sian including Yang Hu Cheng and Yu Hsueh Chung on February 5 said that Northeastern and Shensi troops would be partially withdrawn from the Sian region in conformity with the Government’s orders but insisted General Chang Hsueh-liang should return to address and reassure the troops. Informant thought Yu Hsueh Chung was still prevented from returning to Kansu. The trend of informant’s statements implied that the two generals named above were prevented from coming to an agreement with the Government by the sentiment prevailing among the military forces in Sian.
Sent to the Department, Peiping, and Hankow.