Office of the Historian

393.1111 M Nielsen, Niels/11: Telegram

The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State

Peiping, May 4, 1933—1 p.m.
[Received May 4—4:10 a.m.]

401. Legation’s 380, April 27, 4 p.m.28 Following from American Consul General at Mukden:

“May 3, 6 p.m. Japanese military now report that negotiations for Nielsen’s release are not progressing satisfactorily and that the commander at Siuyen has decided to resort to military measures at first opportunity.

Owing to the difficulties of communication it seems advisable that Consular officer visit Siuyen which is accessible only by aeroplane. In response to my request the military state that availability of space on military transport planes is extremely uncertain. However, they have offered to assist this office to hire a special plane for the trip which will cost a maximum of about yen 450. Propose sending Hall.29 Request authorization of expenditure.”30

Johnson
  1. Not printed.↩
  2. Monroe B. Hall, Vice Consul at Mukden.↩
  3. Authorization was given to the Minister In China in telegram No. 146, May 4, 6 p.m. (393.1111 M Nielsen, Niels/12).↩