793.94/8853: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
Peiping, July 20, 1937—6
p.m.
[Received July 20—8:40 a.m.]
[Received July 20—8:40 a.m.]
267. Embassy’s July 20, 3 p.m.
- 1.
- According to Japanese and Chinese military sources, firing broke out at about 3 this afternoon in the vicinity of Marco Polo Bridge between Japanese and Chinese forces.
- 2.
- Major General Kawabe, who is understood to be in command Japanese forces in that area, is reliably reported to have informed a foreigner about half an hour before the outbreak that in his opinion the 37th Division needs a very strict and severe lesson.
Repeated to Nanking, Tokyo.
Johnson