793.94/1961: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 2—9:45 a.m.]
693. The Consul General at Mukden telegraphs today at 10 a.m. in regard to the independence movement that there is good reason to believe this movement is being misrepresented by Japanese reports.
It has been ascertained from Yuan Chin-kai that he has been urged repeatedly by Japanese military authorities to organize an independent government; that he has refused to do this; that others may also have been approached; and that the Japanese aim to eliminate the influence of Chang Hsueh-liang.
The movement must be taken seriously because of the Japanese efforts and of the possible willingness of some Chinese to make use [Page 107] of the opportunity. The Civil Governor of Liaoning (Fengtien) Province, to whom the government could be turned over by the Japanese if they wished, is under detention.