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  3. Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1937, The Far East, Volume III
  4. Document 915

124.93/410: Telegram

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

Hankow , December 18, 1937—7 p.m.
[Received December 18—3:40 p.m.]

84. Prior to receipt of Department’s 11, December 16, 7 p.m., I had prepared the following:

1.
The inauguration of a new government in Peiping claiming to be the government of China and successor to the Government which had its seat at Nanking indicates the line which Japanese policy will follow. This new government will be recognized by Japan and will assume [take?] over various functions, political as well as fiscal obligations of the old Government in those areas occupied by the Japanese Army. This will include customs, salt, currency, internal taxes, et cetera. Japan will enter into arrangements with this new government regarding these matters and the powers will be presented with those arrangements as already accomplished. Following the technique used in Manchuria Japan will enter into understandings with the new government, leaving old Government in the position at least vis-à-vis Japan and its protégé of an outlaw. Japanese forces will operate against the soldiers and officials of the old Government and against provincial forces of provinces still loyal to it as against Communists and bandits.
2.
It is expected that very shortly the Japanese will proceed against Hankow and against Canton. Opinions differ as to whether this will be done simultaneously or at different times. It is extremely doubtful that the Chinese will be able to prevent the Japanese from occupying Hankow. This means that the Government will have to leave Hankow and retreat further into the interior. Ministry of Finance has made arrangements to proceed to Chungking next week. Part of Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already gone, leaving Minister and Vice Ministers here. In such an eventuality I shall be under the necessity of deciding whether I shall go to Chungking or such other place in the interior as the Government may choose as a retreat, or go elsewhere, either to Hong Kong or to Shanghai. Both Peiping and Nanking seem to me to be out of the picture at least for the present. While Hong Kong remains as a possibility in view of the fact that air connection between Hong Kong and Chungking will be continued, it is objectionable on the grounds that my presence there under the British flag might be misinterpreted. While Shanghai is not a desirable place as it will be entirely cut off from the Government to which I am accredited, it would be preferable in view of the presence there of other Missions.
3.
Personally I should be willing and ready to go to Chungking with the Government although it is entirely probable that I would find myself, with the possible exception of the newly appointed Soviet Ambassador—provided he presents his credentials—the only Chief of Mission in residence.
4.
Replying to Department’s queries:
(a)
It would be desirable for some member of the Embassy staff to continue contact with the Chinese Government at Chungking. Peck is of the opinion that he, as Counselor and long resident near the Government, should continue here at Hankow and follow Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Chungking thus continuing to the end such support as our Government has given the Chinese Government throughout recent years, particularly subsequent to the Washington Conference. While I agree with his point of view it seems necessary to point out that, with the exception of the Soviet Government which has been forced by circumstances to place its Chargé at the seat of the present Chinese Government with every apparent intention of following it to Chungking, other Governments appear to have considered it unnecessary to keep representatives with the Chinese Government of greater rank than a First or Second Secretary. While the German Ambassador accompanied by his Counselor is here, he is in a quandary as to what he shall do under present circumstances and I apprehend that he will leave Hankow at the same time I do although I have not consulted with him in regard to this matter. The British have a Second Secretary here and it is my understanding that he will follow the Government to Chungking. The French have a Consul Adjoint who will also go to Chungking; the Belgians a Second Secretary; Italians a First Secretary who is about to be relieved, as a routine rotation of service, by the Italian Counselor. I should like to have the Department’s instructions as to whether it desires Peck to remain here with one or two members of the staff, or whether we might designate Language Officer Drumright41 as a Second Secretary with orders to proceed to Chungking leaving Jenkins here to fill his place in the Consulate.
(b)
It is difficult for me to estimate the reactions of the Chinese Government and people to my departure at this time. They will naturally feel that I have joined my British, French, and Italian colleagues in deserting the ship, but I have made no secret of my intention not to go to Chungking. I could explain that important questions required me to proceed to Shanghai.
(c)
The Government intends sooner or later to leave Hankow. I have already mentioned plans of Ministries of Finance and Foreign Affairs.
(d)
It would probably be easier for me to go now than later, for to go when the Japanese are about to arrive at Hankow would accentuate the idea of desertion.
Departure by ship may be open for 3 or 4 days longer. H. M. S. Capeshire has just left for Shanghai December 18, 9 p.m.

Johnson
  1. Everett F. Drumright, Consul at Hankow.↩