793.94/6481: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
771. Legation’s 764, September 23, 4 p.m. Shortly after noon today Japanese aeroplanes flew low over Peiping and dropped leaflets reiterating their intention to take military action to force evacuation of demilitarized zone by Fang Chen-wu and his allies by this evening. At 1:30 this afternoon there was fighting at Kaoliying between Central Government forces and Fang’s cavalry. It is believed that main action centers at Shunyi although Fang’s cavalry is also operating westward toward Tangshan. Yesterday Fang’s infantry and cavalry, closely watched by low-flying Japanese aeroplanes, moved from Huaijou to Kaoliying and gave evidence of intention to move eastward along the southern boundary of demilitarized [Page 407] zone. Japanese have stated that their forces will not pursue Fang once he leaves demilitarized zone.
2. In the area occupied Fang has announced his intention to take Peiping and to drive from power Chiang Kai-shek who is characterized as an enemy of the Chinese people who must be removed before peace and reunification is possible. Fang also has broadcasted handbills denouncing T. V. Soong and the American wheat and cotton loan.
3. Following from American Consul General at Nanking:
“September 26, 1 p.m. Following from Chinese source believed to be reliable: Shih Yu-san now in Tientsin has boasted he has received guns from the Japanese. The Japanese tried their best to prevent T. V. Soong from resuming office and are now pressing him for commercial treaty or at least revised tariff. Up to September 25, noon, the Chinese Government was determined to resist these demands even though belief is current that the Japanese are backing Fang Chen-wu attack as means of additional pressure. My informant earnestly requests you refrain from communicating this to your colleagues lest it reach the Japanese.”
- Telegram in two sections.↩