Office of the Historian

793.94/4360: Telegram

The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State87

Shanghai, February 23, 1932—10 a.m.
[Received February 23—5:35 a.m.]

My telegram of February 22, 11 a.m.

1.
After conversations with Wellington Koo day before yesterday and the Japanese Minister yesterday afternoon, it is my conviction that the Chinese for the moment do not wish to enter upon further discussions with the Japanese. They feel that they were more or less trapped the other day into receiving what amounted to an ultimatum when they expected negotiation. They are now determined to fight. There are indications that other military units are cooperating closely with the 19th Route Army. Chinese are enthusiastic through the fact that the Japanese have not been able to make rapid progress with their resistance.
2.
Japanese feel that their prestige is deeply involved here at Shanghai and they will not accept mediation. They are determined to continue attack until they have driven Chinese from 20-kilometer zone when they will probably request British Minister or myself or both to transmit terms to Chinese. Japanese expect operations to take at least 2 weeks and will doubtless have to call for reenforcements before they are completed.
3.
Shigemitsu yesterday assured me that Japanese do not desire to acquire territorial advantages here at Shanghai. He said that Japan’s one desire now as [is?] to get out of Shanghai “mess”.
4.
Does the Department wish me to remain in Shanghai indefinitely with the prospect in the end of having to consider whether or not I shall participate in transmitting Japanese terms to Chinese? I apprehend that in such contingency it may be difficult for us not to become involved in question of demilitarization of zone here.
Johnson
  1. In telegram of February 23, 2 p.m., the Minister reported: “My British colleague is sending a similar message to his Government.” (793.94/4365)↩