793.94/6600: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 24—8:15 a.m.]
193. Department’s 123, April 23, 2 p.m.,44 has been repeated to Peck at Nanking (1) for communication by air mail to Hankow for the Minister, (2) for report to Department on reaction at Nanking.
As is not surprising in view of the persistent threat of further Japanese aggression particularly in North China there have been no reports of violent popular reaction to the Japanese statement. General tone of Chinese press comment is one almost of consternation at the wide implication of the Japanese statement of policy but the Legation notes a remarkable moderation of expression in most Chinese editorial comment in North China. The Ta Kung Pao, however, describes the Japanese statement as the most audacious challenge that Japan has hurled at China and at the powers; a challenge based on the belief that no power is prepared to go to war about the question. Some comment suggests that the statement is an effort by Japanese to sound out international opinion as to her claim to hegemony over China and the Far East.
Press telegrams from London today report statement of British Foreign Secretary in the House of Commons and the despatch of a [Page 131] British note to Tokyo believed chiefly to reaffirm British position under the Nine-Power Treaty.
Press reports from the United States quote Ambassador Saito as saying in press interview that Japan’s restatement of policy with regard to China resulted from the American wheat and cotton credit and from sale of American airplanes to China.
Repeated to Peck at Nanking for information and communication by air mail to the Minister.