793.94/11172: Telegram
The Consul at Tsingtao (Sokobin) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 18—3 a.m.]
A representative of the mayor has just called on the Consulate to inform it that the mayor is naturally concerned about the welfare of foreigners in Tsingtao because of the rapidly increasing threat to Tsingtao as a result of the Japanese advance to the Yellow River. Under instructions from the Central Government, the mayor and the military would make every attempt to resist the entry of Japanese into this city. The military felt that the Japanese would advance on Tsingtao from the west following a crossing of the Yellow River at Tsiyang, Taitzae and Putai, all of which are fairly short distances from the Tsingtao-Tsinanfu Railway. It would then be a “matter of a few hours” before they would approach the environs of Tsingtao. He also stated that the Japanese Navy was operating all along the coast of Shantung and that a landing was to be expected at Jihchao to the south of Tsingtao, at Kinkiakow to the north and also at Chengting and Lungko.
The mayor’s representative emphasized that while the Chinese desired to preserve the peace and security of Tsingtao, the Central Government’s instructions were to make every resistance to an attack by the Japanese. I inquired if there was any foundation to reports that the mayor had stated he would destroy Japanese property before the Japanese would take this city. The representative stated that the mayor had undertaken an agreement with the Japanese Consul General to safeguard such property so long as there was no Japanese military action “in Tsingtao and nearby places”, but that the mayor considered that the moment a crossing of the Yellow River was accomplished by the Japanese, his agreement in respect to the safeguarding of Japanese property was no longer valid. When I pressed the point I gathered that the mayor might not act as wantonly as reports might indicate, but at the same time it is to be noted that it is confirmed that last night there was considerable activity on the part of Chinese soldiers at the mills.
Tsingtao at the moment quiet and peaceful. Foreign officials feel fairly confident that their nationals in this city will not be endangered.
Sent to Peiping, Nanking.