793.94/9246: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in China (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 8—10:55 a.m.]
402. Embassy’s 399, August 7, 5 p.m.72
- 1.
- About 2,000 Japanese troops, with guns, tanks, and trucks, entered Peiping at noon today by three gates. A secretary of the Japanese Embassy states that this is the Kawabe Brigade, that, according to his information, most of the force will leave the City after taking a short rest, and that meanwhile they will occupy seventeenth [various?] barracks in the City, including those at the Temple of Heaven and near Peihai.73 The Japanese Embassy Guard has informed the American Commandant that Japanese soldiers will guard Chienmen Gate. The entry of the Brigade created no disorder.
- 2.
- Prior to their entry, hand bills were distributed from motor
cars which read in translation:
“Notice to the people of the Municipality. Our beloved friends: Our Headquarters is entering the City at the present time, having [Page 359] come to assist in the maintenance of order and to take responsibility for protection of the peace of the people within and without the city. It is hoped that all will understand this purpose and will live as usual at peace and enjoy their enterprises. They should not listen to stupid words. Then all will be all right. Should there appear illegal persons or organizations who wilfully create rumors to stir up society or should they unreasonably create disorder or obstruct activities and principles of our Army in the maintenance of peace, this Headquarters fixes by order that they shall be taken and dealt with severely. Definitely there will be no leniency. Our beloved friends, please be at peace. (Signed) The Headquarters of the Japanese Army entering the City of Peiping on August 8th”.
- 3.
- After the entry of the troops, other hand bills were distributed in which it is said inter alia that the Japanese troops will preserve peace and order in Peiping; that they will have no ill will toward those who understand the righteousness of the Japanese Army; that “we are concerned only with military matters and there is a separate Japanese military organization, which is the Peiping special service organ, which will be responsible for political affairs”; that their enemies are Chinese soldiers who ignore righteousness; that they shall be wiped out; and that it is expected the people of Peiping will “wait for the victory [in] this holy warfare”.
- 4.
- Under instructions from the Japanese the local wireless and land telegraph offices of the Chinese Telegraph Administration were closed yesterday for an unstipulated period. Essential parts of the mechanical equipment were taken by the Japanese gendarmes from the wireless station. The telephone service in town is normal but long distance service is disrupted.
Repeated to Nanking, Shanghai and Tokyo. Shanghai repeat to Tokyo.