793.94/14509: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in China (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 17—5 a.m.]
725. 1. According to information, an officer of the Soviet Embassy has stated to a reliable informant [of] this Embassy that
- (a)
- According to information from Embassy in Tokyo
interference by the Japanese Navy has been responsible for
delay in,
- (1)
- formulation and execution of definite plans for establishment of the projected “central government” for China and,
- (2)
- active operation of the new East Asia Bureau;
- (b)
- the navy’s interference is due to,
- (1)
- its desire to obtain its share of credit for participation in the control of China affairs in general and to exert influence in those affairs, including the new federal regime, which the Japanese hope to establish and,
- (2)
- its opposition to Japanese military drive against the so-called “Red line” running south from West Suiyuan through Kansu.
2. In connection with the last consideration, the Japanese Army is reportedly preparing for a drive through West Suiyuan and south from Wuyuan, Suiyuan, through Ninghsia to Lanchow, as part of its effort to cut, (a) the channel of Chinese supplies from Soviet Russia via Sinkiang and Sian, and (b) an alleged channel recently opened from Urga. Recent air raids against Wuyuan and Ningyuan are cited by some foreign observers as preparatory activities in this connection and there have been other indications that such an offensive was being planned as an alternative to the projected drive against Sian from South Shansi which has so far failed to materialize because the Japanese forces have not been able after repeated attempts for 3 months to effect a crossing of the Yellow River (See Embassy’s 691, November 23, 5 p.m., paragraph 3 and 685, November 18, 4 p.m.66).
Repeated to Chungking, code text by mail to Tokyo.
- Neither printed.↩