793.94/6297: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 20—9:25 a.m.]
460. My 455, May 19, 4 p.m. At 9:30 this morning 11 Japanese bombing planes flew over Peiping and environs and departed northeastward. So far as known Chinese refrained from anti-aircraft fire. It is believed that demonstration was largely to encourage continued withdrawal of Chinese troops toward Peiping in accordance with rumored agreement the existence of which however no definite confirmation can yet be obtained. Present orderly withdrawal of Chinese troops toward Peiping from north and east however tends to confirm report that some understanding has been reached between Japan and Chinese.
2. At 10:30 this morning a lone Japanese plane flew over Peiping. [Page 338] Japanese sentry at gateway to the Japanese Legation guard compound while gazing skyward at this plane was attacked and severely injured by a Chinese who alighted from a motorcar wielding a big sword, then sought to regain motorcar which, with engine running, waited. Chauffeur started car too quickly however and assailant was captured by Japanese guard and taken into barracks while guard hastily erected sandbag barricades at gate. A representative (allegedly of Swiss nationality) of Ullstein press in Germany took photograph of scene, was invited by Japanese guards to enter compound and was then manhandled and arrested for taking such street photograph without permission of Japanese guard.