793.94/8142: Telegram
The Chargé in Japan (Dichover) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 15—9:10 a.m.]
186. 1. Vernacular press reports that Pakhoi case is assuming a more serious aspect consequent upon the opposition of the 19th Route Army to the landing there of Japanese investigators, that Nanking is now being pressed to take measures to enable investigation to proceed in security, and that if Nanking fails to act the Japanese Government is prepared to take independent action “in self defense”.
2. Notwithstanding strong tone adopted by press, which may have been purposely inspired with a view to producing an effect in China, [Page 293] there are reasons to believe that Japan would be reluctant to precipitate hostilities at Pakhoi for in doing this, according to opinion in navy circles, Japan would be fighting Chiang Kai Shek’s battles for him. Naval Attaché has been informed that only a small gunboat, a destroyer, and a light cruiser have been despatched to Pakhoi, Military Attaché has been told by the War Office liaison officer that no particular preparations have been made for despatching an expeditionary force but that the Taiwan army is watching the situation.
3. According to the Asahi, Japanese Ambassador will insist in connection with the settlement of the Chengtu and Pakhoi incidents upon China taking measures for the elimination of anti-Japanese activities which Japan regards as the underlying cause of these incidents, as otherwise settlement of the pending issues and the adjustment of the relations between the two countries will be impossible.
Repeated to Peiping.