793.94/12080: Telegram
The Consul at Tsingtao (Sokobin) to the Secretary of State
[Received 3:33 p.m.]
Japanese Consul General called on me yesterday. He indicated plainly that the Japanese would immediately and energetically commence [Page 18] the task of economic reconstruction. One hundred and fifty leading Japanese industrialists and engineers have already landed to restore public services. The general Japanese community will commence returning about January 20.
The Consul General gave the impression that the Japanese, while desiring peace, were puzzled as to how to achieve it. He stated that the Generalissimo was surrounded by Communists who would prevent him from making peace.
The Consul General seemed apprehensive about the possible presence of “plain clothes armed men” in the city.
Sent to Hankow, Peiping.