793.94/6480: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 23—11:40 a.m.]
764. Japanese airplanes flew low over Peiping this morning dropping hand bills to the effect that forces of General Fang Chen-wu have occupied territory within the demilitarized zone defined in the Tangku agreement of May 31 and stating that unless these forces have completely evacuated zone by the evening of the 26th of September the Kwantung Army will commence military operations against them. Hand bill bearing yesterday’s date is headed “warning to Fang Chen-wu and his allies” and is subscribed “Commander in Chief of the Japanese armies”.
According to communiqué issued by Peiping branch military council yesterday afternoon Fang has about 2,000 troops at Huaijou. There are unconfirmed reports to the effect that Generals Chi Hung-chang and Tang Yu-lin are at Heisuikou on the Chahar-Jehol border preparing to join forces with Fang. Further report will be made when situation is somewhat clarified and more definite information is obtainable.