793.94/8193: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 29—9:15 a.m.]
470. Assassination of a Japanese sailor in the Hongkew area, reported in Shanghai’s 509, September 24, 11 a.m., is the ninth incident of its kind since the fall of 1935 when it was announced that Hirota [Page 318] would seek an understanding with Nanking generally based upon three points mentioned in my telegram from Nanking, No. 80, November 15, 3 p.m., 1935.20
Peck’s recent messages from Nanking, notably his 279 of September 24, 2 p.m., and 281 of September 25, noon, indicate his growing conviction that Japanese are determined to use incidents as leverage for compelling an agreement along the lines of Hirota’s three points.
I believe that sentiment of Chiang Kai Shek and his supporters and of Chinese in general would be opposed to any agreement along this line. The fact that both sides fear publicity regarding demands indicates this.
Situation is still uncertain. I do not believe that either Chinese or Japanese want war.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
… Whichever eventuality results from present negotiations at Nanking, I feel that present situation is more serious than any which we have thus far had, and will require great self-control on both sides if actual hostilities are to be avoided.
Repeated to Tokyo.