893.00/13756: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 13—8 a.m.]
349. Reuter this morning carries following official statement issued at 5 a.m.:
“Telegraphic communications with Sian were interrupted this morning. Later reports were received that Chang Hsueh Liang with his troops had rebelled against the Central Government. Meanwhile, a circular telegram was issued advocating the overthrow of the Government. In this telegram it was clearly stated that he was offering ‘the final advice to General Chiang Kai Shek’ and was temporarily detaining General Chiang at Sian. At an emergency meeting of the Government leaders, it was decided that: (1) H. H. Kung will be in charge of the Executive Yuan; (2) The Standing Committee of the National Military Council will have from five to seven members. Ho Ying Chin, Chen Chien, Li Lieh Chun, Chu Pei Teh, Tang Sheng Chi, and Chen Shao Kuanz will be members of the Standing Committee; (3) Feng Yu Hsiang and members of the Standing Committee will be in charge of the Military Council’s meetings; (4) General Ho Ying Chin will be in charge of troops movements and military operations; (5) Chang Hsueh Liang shall be dismissed from all posts and handed to the National Military Council for punishment. His non-commissioned officers shall be placed under the command of the National Military Council.”
Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Hsu Mo with whom I talked this morning confirms reports stating that Chang Hsueh Liang to whom [Page 415] was entrusted the Government’s campaign against the Communists has apparently made common cause with them and is withdrawing his troops who were opposing them. Hsu Mo states that Government feels that it can control situation.
Reuter reports that Chang Hsueh Liang in a circular telegram advocates resistance against Japan, Chinese treaty with Soviet Russia and the formation of democratic government.
Nanking is quiet.
Sent to the Department, Tokyo, Peiping.