793.94/8816: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in China (Peck) to the Secretary of State
Nanking, July 18, 1937—6
p.m.
[Received July 18—9:54 a.m.]
[Received July 18—9:54 a.m.]
296. Our July 18, 11 a.m.
- 1.
- I was conversing with the British Ambassador July 18, 5 p.m., when the Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs telephoned informing the Ambassador that Japanese military planes had bombed Shihchi-achwang, a junction point on the Peiping-Hankow Railway at 11:30 this morning and a place in Hopei near the Honan border called Sanhochiao (hour unspecified).
- 2.
- The British Ambassador saw the Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs yesterday afternoon but the latter did not give him text of the circular communication to the powers. The British Ambassador saw the Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs again this afternoon and was told that the precise nature of the reply to the Japanese memorandum delivered last night had not been framed but probably would categorically assert that the movement of Chinese troops in Chinese territory was a prerogative of the Chinese Government. Information believed by him to be reliable received by the British Ambassador from Kuling indicates that General Chiang knew what caused the Chinese Government to issue a statement pointing out that the forebearance hitherto shown by China toward Japan has always resulted in further injury and strongly asserting China’s rights. The British Ambassador and I agree that the two bombings today may precipitate stronger action by the Chinese Government but as yet we have no basis for predictions.
- 3.
- Sent to the Department, Peiping, Tokyo.
Peck