793.94/12231: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 27—1:25 p.m.]
61. It is learned from unofficial but apparently reliable source that during Chinese air raid on Nanking January 26 one plane was shot down and one made forced landing and was captured by the Japanese. Aviators in both were Russians and since this is the first time the [Page 57] Japanese have obtained positive proof of Chinese employment of Russian personnel there is some speculation here whether relations between Japan and the Soviet Union will be affected. Report believed reliable is that in a Japanese plane shot down by Chinese at Nanchang recently the aviator who was killed was found to be Italian. This information has been released by the Chinese.
Repeated to Peiping.