793.94/9033: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in China (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State
Peiping, July 28, 1937—1
p.m.
[Received July 28—6 a.m.]
[Received July 28—6 a.m.]
311. Embassy’s 307, July 27, 10 p.m.
- 1.
- Japanese planes heavily bombed Nanyuan from 5:30 this morning for some time, presumably aiming at the 38th Division. The number of casualties is unknown.
- 2.
- There has been fighting this morning outside the city to the west and north. An American eye witness saw planes west and north of Peiping, presumably bombing the headquarters of the 37th Division at Hsiyuan near the Summer Palace. The significance of the fighting in these places cannot yet be learned.
- 3.
- There have been rumors this morning that Fengtai and Marco Polo Bridge have been taken by Chinese troops. A Chinese military officer who is not given to spreading rumors and in whom the Embassy has so far had confidence has just informed the Embassy that 29th Army troops took Fengtai shortly after 8 o’clock this morning, have taken Langfang, and that the Japanese troops which have been stationed along the road from Peiping to Wanpinghsien are retiring. These reports lack confirmation.
- 4.
- An American at Tungchow has informed the Embassy that no fighting took place there yesterday afternoon or last night.
Repeated to Nanking and Shanghai.
Lockhart