793.94 Commission/811: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 19—3:18 a.m.]
165. Reuter from Jehol 18th:
“This city is en fête today with arrival of Marshal Chang Hsueh-liang, T. V. Soong and Marshal Chang Tso-hsiang4 by car from Peiping. Great mass meeting was held today attended by provincial leaders and military officers who traveled from distant places to meet government leaders. T. V. Soong made an inspiring speech which evoked great enthusiasm.
Soong said:
‘As I proceeded along the highway of the Province 1 saw posters which said, “Long Live International Justice.” The League of Nations representing world conception of justice will not fail us. Committee of Nineteen after long and painful hesitation to offend another member of the League has completely and finally vindicated our cause. Our cause has therefore become the world’s cause. For us too have died the ten millions in the Great War who gave their lives to make a better world. Reckless and ambitious as is Japanese military it cannot believe that one nation can defy the awakened conscience of the world. We can safely rest assured that eventually victory will be ours. But we must steel ourselves to temporary disappointments and adversities. Japan is going to launch a last attack on us. The unspeakable cruelties and nameless horrors she inflicted to our brothers in the Northeast, in Shanghai and recently at Shanhaikwan are to be visited on us again. You must now color that map with your own heart’s blood to show the world that Jehol like the Three Eastern Provinces is Chinese territory. On behalf of the Central Government I pledge to you that we will never give up the Northeast. We will never give up Jehol. The enemy may blockade our ports; they may capture Nanking, but there will be no one there to sign terms of surrender.’
Chang Hsueh-liang, Soong and Chang Tso-hsiang are here to complete Chinese plans for defence of the Province and they expect to return to Peiping later today.”
- Uncle of Marshal Chang Hsueh-liang.↩