793.94/9120: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in China (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 1—11:34 a.m.]
355. Hsiung Shao-hao, now officially connected with Chang Tzu Chung’s office, called today and stated that he had been sent by General Chang to request that I intercede on behalf of the Chinese authorities with the Japanese to arrange to remove from Peiping the two regiments of the 132nd Division now here and stated that the men of the regiments wanted to be removed from the city. He stated also that the Japanese wished these two regiments removed and I inquired whether any efforts have been made by the Chinese to arrange with the Japanese for the peaceful evacuation of these troops. Hsiung replied in the negative and said that it was thought of General Chang that if American Embassy would intimate to the Japanese that it would be desirable if these troops were removed or if they be given safe conduct out of the city they would not be molested once they are outside of the wall. I told Mr. Hsiung quite frankly that I was not in any position to make any representations to the Japanese authorities in the matter and added (1) it would seem to be desirable for the Embassy to remain aloof from any connection with negotiations here [Page 311] between the Japanese and Chinese on military or political questions, and (2) such representations would in all probability be unwelcome and ineffectual, and (3) it seemed to me to be a matter which might well be discussed between the Chinese and Japanese authorities themselves in view of the statement made that both desired the evacuation of the troops from Peiping.
Unless I am instructed to the contrary I shall adhere to this position. I have conferred with the Military and Naval Attachés32 and the Commandant of the Guard and they agree with me that there is no occasion at this time to interfere in the matter. I may add that a similar proposal came to me through a well-known and old resident of Peiping early this morning, the matter having been brought to his attention during the night with a request that he approach the Embassy on the subject. I informed the emissary substantially as set forth in the first paragraph of this telegram. He promised to inform me of the result of any conference which might take place today between the Chinese and Japanese authorities. Up to 1 o’clock no conference had taken place.
Later at 4:30 this afternoon I was informed by the American referred to above that the Chinese and Japanese have come to an agreement and that the troops will leave for Kalgan tonight or tomorrow.
Repeated to Nanking.
- Col. Joseph W. Stilwell and Commander Harvey E. Overesch.↩