893.00/13829: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in China (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 23—5:10 p.m.]
637. Embassy’s 631, December 22, 3 p.m.20 On a radio broadcast, of which at least a part was in English, from Sian last night the verbal attacks of the rebels on the National Government and Chiang Kai Shek were continued. Ho Ying Chin in particular was condemned for his actions, while a warning was issued to Yu Yu Jen, now at Loyang, not to proceed to Sian unless he was prepared to accept the eight points of Chang Hsueh Liang’s program. Anti-Japanese sentiment was prominent, and it was stated that the “Northwest National Salvation uprising” is being organized. It was announced that the Northeastern Army now regarded the Chinese Communists as brothers in the common cause against Japan, and it was stated that a regiment of infantry had arrived at Sian from a point about 100 li west of Sian and that they had discarded all insignia of rank and were holding meetings throughout city.
The Shensi forces of Feng Chin Tsai are reported moving toward the north bank of the Wei River against the rebels in conjunction with the deployment of National Government troops, which are said to have captured Weinan yesterday, apparently without fighting of consequence. Four divisions belonging to Yu Hsueh Chung are reported en route from Kansu to Sian to assist the rebels.
Announcement was made of the death of a German, Dr. Philipi (or Wrumsch) during the uprising on December 12 by a stray bullet.
By mail to Tokyo.
- Not printed.↩