793.94/6337: Telegram

The Consul General at Tientsin (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State

Japanese military authorities state withdrawal of Manchukuo troops eastward from Lutai-Tangku area has now begun. Railway authorities confirm above. Japanese troops are withdrawing north from Tungchow area according to local Japanese military. Situation here greatly relaxed and exodus of refugees from Chinese areas has practically ceased. There appears to be reasonably good prospect of rail traffic being shortly restored to Peitaiho and Chinwangtao and possibly to Shanhaikwan if the rumored truce proves effective. In view of the conflicting elements in the Chinese military situation, however, some doubt exists as to the effectiveness or permanency of such an arrangement.

Lockhart