893.01 Manchuria/3: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 19—5:20 a.m.]
249. Following from American Consul General at Mukden:
1. “February 17, 8 p.m. Have learned that a meeting was held at Governor’s Palace today at which a supreme political council consisting of Chang Ching-hui, elected chairman, and Tsang Shih-yi, Ma Chan-shan and Hsi Chia was formed. Other persons present were three representatives of Mongolia and one of Jehol. The council is a temporary body organized to make arrangements for the formation of the new state.
It is reported that the sessions of the council will be held at Changchun.”
2. “February 18, 6 p.m. The new central body is called the new administration commission. It consists of seven members, the four mentioned in the above telegram, and Tang Yu-lin, represented by his son, and two Mongols, Chi Wang and Ling Sheng. A declaration was issued today under their names declaring the independence of the four northeastern provinces and the severance of relations with the party government (Nanking). It states that the new administration commission will arrange all matters relating to the establishment of the new state and state they expect to attain the following: (1) internally, to establish the liberal government and to put down the old militarism, (2) externally, to stop all antiforeign acts and to adopt the principle of the open door and equal opportunity, (3) to reduce the burdens of the people and improve the public welfare.
Ma was elected Governor of Heilungkiang vice Chang Ching-hui, resigned. Ma and Hsi Chia left for their posts this morning.”