893.20/679: Telegram

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

312. Chief of German advisers informed McHugh today that on June 22nd he had been called to the German Embassy along with Hsu Mo, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, and that in the presence of the Vice Minister German Ambassador had delivered to him an ultimatum to be answered within 24 hours. Ultimatum was that failure of advisers to sever connections with the Chinese Government and return to Germany at once would be regarded as high treason punishable by deprivation of citizenship and confiscation of personal property and possibly other penalties. German Government demanded that they abrogate their contracts if Chinese Government refused, promising favorable treatment and reemployment in Germany. This applied to all military advisers of whom none would be permitted to remain.

German advisers to the number of 20 expect to leave on international train on June 28th. McHugh has been informed that a farewell dinner was given to them by Dr. Kung72 on June 22, indicating that Chinese would put no obstacles in the way of their departure. It is estimated that 5 of 11 German advisers classed as non-military will remain.

McHugh asks that this information be given to his Department.

Johnson
  1. President of the Chinese Executive Yuan (Premier).