793.94/6321: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
Peiping, May 26, 1933—11
a.m.
[Received May 26—2:23 a.m.]
[Received May 26—2:23 a.m.]
484. My 482, May 24, 1 p.m. That a truce has been arranged there appears to be no doubt, although strictest secrecy is being maintained as to how and where arranged; tension in city much relaxed.
- 2.
- Huang Fu and others near him, who are concerned with arrangement for cessation of hostilities, give evidence of extreme fear lest contact with other Legations halt arrangements as Japanese have indicated that they will brook no third party mediation.
- 3.
- Real crisis will be reached when negotiations between Japanese and Chinese delegates begin. It is believed Ariyoshi, Japanese Minister, is coming North for these arrangements. Fact will then be that Japanese will be able to dictate terms to Chinese with their army within a few hours’ march of Peiping and Tientsin, Chinese will desire to limit negotiations to the question of the cessation of hostilities leaving all questions relating to Manchuria and Jehol and related matters for subsequent settlement. Whether they can succeed in thus limiting discussions remains to be seen.
Sent to Tokyo by mail.
Johnson