793.04/5912: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 21—8:25 a.m.]
44. The Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs in conversation today with a member of the Embassy stated that it had been the intention of the Japanese Army to start the offensive into Jehol on the 22nd or the 23rd of February but that there seemed to be some delay although he did not expect the delay to be more than 3 or 4 days. He said the Army expected to reduce the Province in about 2 weeks, but his own opinion was that it would be longer, probably about a month.
In this connection the Military Attaché reports that troops of the Ninth Division are in action against the Chinese One Hundred and Seventh Brigade and volunteers in the vicinity of Chaoyangsu, 60 kilometers north of Chinchow; the “Young Officers Union” is again very active, having circularized the Army and others, demanding withdrawal from the League. This action probably influenced the Cabinet’s decision yesterday. Direct action against Shidehara, Makino and Admiral Suzuki is considered possible.
Repeated to Peiping.