793.94/5909: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 21—2:35 a.m.]
170. Following from Consul General at Mukden:
“February 20, 2 p.m. All indications are that major operations in Jehol will begin this week and probably will be preceded by a demand to Chang Hsueh-liang to withdraw his forces therefrom and by formal invitation to Tang Yu-lin to acknowledge his allegiance to Manchukuo. Military admit that more than 2 Japanese divisions supported by special units, all available aeroplanes and 31,000 Manchukuo troops in which there are many Japanese, will comprise the attacking force. The figure for Japanese divisions is believed to be low. Indications are that detachment from Kailu will advance south before the major drive is started in southern Jehol. Very little opposition is expected in the Northeast. Japanese military are eager to surround and inflict a severe defeat on Chang’s regulars. Part of the Kwantung Army headquarters under General Koiso5 will be moved to Mukden or Chinchow.
Japanese military assert that developments at Geneva will not affect their plans. Indications that the Peiping-Tientsin district may become involved are increasing.
Insurgents have become active in the Tungpien area.”
- Kuniaki Koiso, Japanese Chief of Staff, Kwantung Army.↩