Papers relating to the foreign relations of the United States, 1931, The Far East, Volume III

793.94/2825: Telegram

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

Peiping, November 23, 1931—3 p.m.
[Received November 23—7 a.m.]

990. Legation’s 862, November 3rd, 3 p.m., and 864, November 3rd, 5 p.m.⁷⁶

[1.] Consul General at Mukden in despatch No. 486 of 16th (copy direct to the Department⁷⁷ and Tokyo) reports Japanese military headquarters on October 27th issued a statement defining policy in respect of seized materials in which foreign firms have interest. Statement briefly summarized follows:

Present situation has been occasioned by unlawful actions of Chang Hsueh-liang. Japanese Army is making every effort to prevent seized material from coming into possession of Chang or other former officials of the Provincial or Nationalist Governments or bandits. Japanese Army, while sympathizing with interested Japanese and other foreign firms, cannot dispose of material until present dispute is settled and ownership of property is determined. The matter is being handled fairly and there will be no discrimination.

2. Consul General states that the only American property now being held by Japanese is aeroplane referred to in Legation’s 864, of November 3rd, 5 p.m.

For the Minister:

Engert

76. Latter not printed.
77. Not printed.