Office of the Historian

793.94/8981: Telegram

The Counselor of Embassy in China (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State

Peiping, July 26, 1937—noon.
[Received July 26—5 a.m.]

293. Embassy’s 292, July 25, 3 p.m.

1.
Fighting took place during last night between Japanese and Chinese troops at Langfang on the Peiping-Tientsin Railway.
2.
The local Japanese Embassy gives this Embassy following version: One company of Japanese troops went to Langfang to protect small detachment engaged in repair of telephone lines; they were encircled at 11 o’clock last night by a regiment of Chang Tzu Chung’s 38th Division, which is stationed at points between Tientsin and Nan-yuan and serious fighting broke out after midnight; fighting ended at about 6 o’clock this morning as the result of participation by Japanese planes; the Japanese demanded the withdrawal of the Chinese troops involved to the South of the Yungting River; the incident will be negotiated in Peiping between Japanese and Chang Tzu Chung, who arrived in Peiping last night from Tientsin.
3.
The only Chinese version of the clash so far obtainable is one from the semiofficial Central News Agency, which is as follows: One company of Japanese troops arrived at Langfang at 11 o’clock last night and demanded to take over the station; the Chinese troops refused; the Japanese opened fire; some hours later Japanese reenforcements arrived from Tientsin; five Japanese bombing planes arrived and caused heavy destruction and casualties among the Chinese; the Japanese occupied the station at 7 o’clock; fighting ended at 9 o’clock.
4.
Train service between Tientsin and Peiping has been suspended. Telephone service between the two cities is disrupted.
5.
According to a Secretary of the local Japanese Embassy, the withdrawal of the 37th Division (Feng Chih An’s) is not proceeding satisfactorily as two of its regiments are still in Peiping and five still at Hsiyuan and vicinity. The informant stated that he expects the question will be discussed with Chang Tzu Chung.

Repeated Nanking, Shanghai, Tokyo.

Lockhart