have not the means to procure weapons. For another, there is no leader with sufficient initiative, funds, or backing. Finally, the Chinese are notoriously apathetic to matters political and military, which, coupled with the fear of the efficiently organized system of secret police whose activities would undoubtedly be redoubled, would in all likelihood preclude the possibility of a serious uprising. The greatest trouble would probably come from so-called bandits who are in reality patriotic Chinese in touch with Nanking or communists in touch with the U. S. S. R. The activities of these bands would in all probability increase, and perhaps many recruits would join them. Only recently one such band, numbering about 400 (according to official report) captured the town of Foshan, on the Amur north of Chiamussu, and was not dislodged for a week. It is hardly likely, however, that such bands would prove a serious menace in the rear to Japanese operations in China, although sporadic raids would doubtless continue and lawlessness as a whole increase. The possibility of an increase in covert Soviet assistance to these bands would be offset by the undoubted disappearance of assistance from China which is coming at the present time. The situation in the event the U. S. S. R. should abandon neutrality is another question, beyond the scope of this report. The Chinese population, if left to its own devices, would not be likely to be a serious menace to the Japanese, at least in north Manchuria. Respectfully yours, GEORGE D. LAMONT 893.00/13792: Telegram The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State NANKING, December 19, 1936-1 p. m. [Received December 19-7:50 a .m."] 362. Chiang Ting Wen arrived Nanking yesterday with following letter addressed by Chiang Kai Shek to Ho Ying Chin: "Informed of the bombing of Weinan by squadrons yesterday, I am writing to request you to order the immediate cessation of the air raids. As far as I can tell from the present circumstances, I may be able to return to Nanking before the end of this week, and therefore hostilities should not break out and bombing should be discontinued until after Saturday. (Signed) Chung Cheng".12 Foregoing letter in Chiang Kai Shek's handwriting was written by Chiang in the presence of Chang Hsueh Liang. It is interpreted here as an ultimatum to Chang Hsueh Liang by Chiang. Ho Ying "Telegram in two sections. "Signature of Chiang Kai-shek. Chin ordered cessation of hostilities until 6 p. m. tonight. Authorities here are anxiously awaiting results without too much optimism as to outcome. No report here yet as to Chiang's release. In my opinion letter indicates possible break in Chang Hsueh Liang's stand and opens some hope of settlement. It is significant that Chang Hsueh Liang made no objection to time limit. Negotiations apparently are continuing but there is no information available here as to direction negotiations are taking. It is understood that Government desired to arrange discussion with Chang Hsueh Liang at Taiyuan. Nanking is quiet with martial law effective nightly after midnight. T. V. Soong left this afternoon for Loyang and presumably for Sian. Sent to Department, code texts to Peiping and Tokyo by mail. JOHNSON 893.00/13797: Telegram The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State NANKING, December 19, 1936-4 p. m. [Received 5 p. m.] 363. Following is based on press releases at Nanking: Holograph letters brought from Generalissimo to Madame Chiang and Ho Ying Chin by Chiang Ting Wen request delay of bombing air raids until after Saturday as he anticipates return by that time. Consequently active hostilities have ceased but Government troops are still concentrating east of Sian. Chiang Ting Wen reported that Generalissimo had four times been approached by the young marshal for a reply to demands but was each time rebuffed on the basis that latter should release Chiang Kai Shek or otherwise might as well admit treachery and kill him. Sun Fo replied to a telegram of December 13 from rebels asking him to proceed to Sian, strongly demanding prompt return of Generalissimo to Nanking before any discussion. Feng Yu Hsiang received telegraphic information from Sian that Shao Yuan Chung,18 reported to have been killed in the revolt Saturday, was only slightly wounded. Central Publicity Department man issued manifesto giving the following reason for punitive expedition against Sian rebels: (1) to pledge national loyalty to Generalissimo; (2) to uphold discipline of the state; (3) to exterminate remaining bandits for benefit of the people; (4) to preserve uniformity and complete national recovery; "Kuomintang Central Executive Committee member. 919456-54-34 (5) to adhere to policy of national salvation. It states further that Sian revolt will not prevent rejuvenation of the country or impair great task accomplished by Generalissimo and asks full national support to Government for further resistance against foreign aggression, removal of traitors and continuous support to Suiyuan defenders. Troops of Chang Hsueh Liang from North Shensi and East Kansu are taking up defensive positions at Sua-hsien east of Sian but mobilization in the west is proceeding with difficulty. Irregulars heavily attacked Chinese lines in eastern Suiyuan but were repulsed. A further drive expected soon. Sent to the Department, to Peiping by mail. JOHNSON 893.00/13798: Telegram The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State NANKING, December 19, 1936-11 p. m. [Received December 19-4: 30 p. m.] 365. Department's 84, December 18, 7 p. m. 1. I have discussed matter with British Ambassador and we are agreed upon the following. 2. We have explored possible actions which foreign powers might take in present contingency but are agreed that except for the suggestion of the British Government there is no action which powers could profitably take at this juncture in a situation so peculiarly affecting the stability of the National Government. 3. British Ambassador sounded Kung yesterday on present proposal and found him disposed to accept it if laid before him. 4. We are of the opinion that it will be better for all concerned if the Chinese Government is able to find a solution for itself without bringing in the powers. But we believe that the fact that certain powers are prepared to guarantee safe departure of Chang Hsueh Liang, and, if necessary, of Yang Hu Cheng might be of value. 5. We, therefore, suggest that we be instructed to inform Dr. Kung that the American and British Governments are prepared to take all proper steps to ensure the safe departure from China of Chang Hsueh Liang and if necessary of Yang Hu Cheng. This undertaking would be given also by such of the other three powers approached as may be willing. 6. With reference to the method of performance we believe that the only feasible plan would be for the Chinese Government to be responsible for safe passage of either or both generals to some place where the powers would be in a position to undertake their safe departure from Chinese soil. The obvious and nearest port would be Tientsin where they would be accommodated on a warship until safe passage could be arranged. 7. If this suggestion is accepted, would you be willing to proceed in concert with one or more of the powers consulted, or would you act only if all agree. Opportunity may come suddenly and Department's instructions would be welcome. 8. British Ambassador is reporting to his Government in the same sense. 9. It is my opinion that situation, although very serious, is not entirely hopeless yet as negotiations continue behind the scene. I am completely in the dark as to the direction which these negotiations are taking. If the Chinese Government can possibly work its way out without outside help it will, I believe, emerge with increased prestige. If it fails it is difficult to say what will happen. Up to the present it has had an undivided public opinion behind it, but if Chiang should be killed it seems to me inevitable that personal jealousies will once more rend the country. 10. According to Central News, Ho Ying Chin has ordered bombing to begin again in the morning. No news out of Sian tonight. Soong will probably remind [remain?] overnight at Loyang. Sent to the Department, repeated to Tokyo, code text by mail to Peiping. 893.00/13798: Telegram JOHNSON The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Johnson) 14 WASHINGTON, December 19, 1936-midnight. 86. Your 365, December 19, 11 p. m., especially paragraphs 5, 6 and 7. It is the view of this government that representatives of this and other foreign governments should proceed very cautiously in this matter and should make no guarantees which would make their governments responsible in case Chinese interference caused failure of an attempt by them to save lives and to guarantee security of lives, but you are authorized to collaborate with your British colleague in informing Kung of the willingness of this government in cooperation with the British Government and other governments, if any, to attempt to effect safe conduct of generals Chang Hsueh-liang and Yang Hu Cheng from, say, Tientsin to some point outside of Chinese soil, with the understanding that, if and when this safe conduct shall have been 14 Notation by the Chief of the Division of Far Eastern Affairs: "This has the approval in principle of Mr. Carr [Assistant Secretary of State] and the President." completed, the responsibility of this government in relation to the safety of lives of the persons thus evacuated would of course cease. Within the principles indicated above, details left to your discretion. MOORE 893.00/13803 : Telegram The Counselor of Embassy in China (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State PEIPING, December 20, 1936-5 p. m. [Received December 20-12:15 p. m.] 627. Embassy's 626, December 19, 3 p. m. 15 The following is a translation of the circular telegram (which incidentally has not been published locally so far as known) allegedly issued by Chang Hsuehliang on December 12 at Sian and signed by him and 18 other generals and one civilian leader, some of whom are, however, now apparently detained by Chang at Sian: [Here follows introductory section of the circular telegram.] The military and civilians in the Northwest unanimously maintain the following demands: (1) Reorganize the Nanking Government and admit all parties to share the joint responsibility for saving the nation. (2) All [stop all] kinds of civil wars. (3) Immediately release the patriotic leaders arrested in Shanghai. (4) Release all political prisoners throughout the country. (5) Emancipate the patriotic movement of the people. (6) Safeguard the political freedom of the people to organize and call meetings. (7) [Actually] obey the words [will] of Dr. Sun Yat Sen. (8) Immediately call the National Salvation Conference. The above-mentioned eight items are the points of national salvation unanimously maintained by us and by all the military and civilians throughout the Northwest. We, therefore, hope you gentlemen will stoop to mention [meet] public sentiment and sincerely adopt these demands, so as to open one line of life for the future, and cleanse your past guilt in ruining the country. The great cause is before us. It does not permit glancing backwards. We only hope to carry out thoroughly the policies [policy] maintained for national salvation and benefit to the country. As to merit or guilt, we leave this to the judgment of our fellow countrymen. In sending this telegram we urgently await legislative action [await your] order" 16 15 Not printed. 16 This statement bore the names of the following: Chang Hsueh-liang, Yang Hu-cheng, Chu Hsiao-liang, Ma (Hung-kuei?), Yu Hsueh-chung, Chen Chen (g?), Shao Li-tze, Chiang Ting-wen, Tung Ying-pin, Wei Li-huang, Chien Ta-chun, Ho Chu-kuo, Feng Chin-tsai, Sun Wei-ju, Chen Chi-cheng, Wang I-che, Wan Yaohuang, and Miao Cheng-liu, some of whom were in the party of Generalissimo Chiang at Sian. |