Foreign Relations of the United States, Diplomatic Papers, 1937, The Far East, Volume III

793.94/11847: Telegram

The Counselor of Embassy in China (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State

Peiping, December 28, 1937—4 p.m.
[Received December 28—7:05 a.m.]

852. Reference our 732 [842] December 23, noon.⁶³

1. The Japanese military at Tientsin announced last evening the occupation of Tsinan by Japanese forces and the severe bombing of Taian, 30 miles south of Tsinan, where Han Fu Chu was reported to be at that time.

2. The Embassy received official notification this morning from the local Japanese Embassy that the Japanese blockade has been extended to include Tsingtao.

3. The press published this morning a letter addressed to General Yen Hsi Shan by the officer in charge of the Japanese special military affairs organ at Taiyuan in which three proposals are made; namely, the guarantee of the safety of Yen and his soldiers; the cessation of resistance and the withdrawal of Yen’s forces to southern areas in preparation for a campaign against Communist forces; and the driving out of Shansi of all troops of General Chiang Kai Shek. The letter concluded with the statement that, unless Yen agrees by December 30th, the Japanese Army will consider him lacking in sincerity and will take whatever action may be necessary. A resident of Shansi has recently reported that Yen is guarded by National Government officers either in the extreme left side Shansi or at Sian.

Repeated to the Ambassador. By mail to Tokyo.

Lockhart

63. Not printed.