Office of the Historian

793.94/8663: Telegram

The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State

Peiping, June 16, 1937—4 p.m.
[Received June 16—12:50 p.m.]

172. Embassy’s telegram 135, May 12, 10 p.m., despatch 1273, June 5,26 and telegram 170 [164] June 10, 5 p.m.

[Page 113]
1.
Chinese press reports have been appearing since June 1 to the effect that uprisings against Japanese control in Chahar north of the Great Wall have been taking place.
2.
Although the reports appear to be exaggerated, it seems that there have been activities aimed against Japanese control. The Tokyo Foreign Office spokesman was reported in yesterday’s press as having said on June 9 that it was feared that a quite unexpected incident might occur in Northern Chahar as a result of activities of irregulars and bandits, allegedly instigated by Chinese authorities. The First Secretary of the local Japanese Embassy stated this morning that agents of the National Government have instigated trouble in Northern Chahar which is being adequately dealt with by the authorities of that area and that the despatch of Japanese troops from Jehol is unnecessary.
3.
A fairly reliable Chinese source states that a Chinese, Li Ying, with 3 or 4,000 men, recently seized territory near Kuyuan in Eastern Chahar and is attempting to obtain confirmation of his action from Suiyuan and Chahar authorities.
4.
If the so-called uprisings are sporadic and undirected, then they may be expected not to assume importance. If, however, they are directed by agents of the central or provincial authorities, they may lead to a serious situation in view of (a) the overconfidence of Chinese and (b) the impatience of elements of the Japanese military with the present deadlock in Sino-Japanese relations and their dissatisfaction with the Chinese attitude.
5.
It seems unlikely at present that (a) the Chinese will attempt to recover control of Northern Chahar or (b) the Japanese military will attempt further westward expansion.

By mail to Tokyo.

Johnson
  1. Neither printed.↩