793.94/8583: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in China (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State
Peiping, April 13, 1937—2
p.m.
[Received April 13—8:40 a.m.]
[Received April 13—8:40 a.m.]
119. Reference Embassy’s 73, March 2, 3 p.m.69
- 1.
- The informant70 mentioned in that telegram returned a few days ago from a 3 weeks’ visit to Nanking, Hangchow and Shanghai where he conversed with Chinese leaders. His views, expressed in [Page 64] confidence last evening, presumably reflect those of an important element in the Government. His statements are given in paragraphs 2 to 4 inclusive.
- 2.
- There is little or no hope that Japan will adopt a reasonable or sane attitude toward China. China will continue to prepare for eventual and almost inevitable conflict with Japan. China will take no aggressive step, will not, for example, attempt to recover East Hopei. China expects material assistance from Great Britain and Russia. Meanwhile China will try to improve the economic conditions of the people, which is China’s most important problem.
- 3.
- The friendship of Russia was shown by the order of the Third Internationale to Chinese Communist forces, when Chiang Kai-shek was detained at Sian, to take no action against the National Government. The Chinese Communist forces are being or have already been incorporated as a separate army under the National Government; so they are no longer a threat. They will presumably concern themselves with anti-Japanese propaganda. Important Communist position and attitude of the present leaders in Kwangsi, Shantung and Hopei. Important Communist leaders are to travel abroad.
- 4.
- No change is expected with regard to position and attitude, etc.
By mail to Tokyo.
Lockhart