793.94/3386: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 3—2:30 a.m.]
9. Following from Military Attaché who returned Peiping last night:
“December 31st. Withdrawal movement Chinese troops from Chin-chow continued all day. December 31, 7 p.m. General Jung Chen sent word requesting foreign observers leave Chinchow morning of January 1st.
Sent Aldrich to Taling River to observe and report if bridge over river was destroyed. He arrived at 5:30 p.m., December 31, found bridge and railway intact, continued on to Kowpangtze, arrived without incident 11 p.m., Japanese troops in occupation. Taken to headquarters 2d Division, after identification was permitted to return Chinchow, arrived January 1, 8 a.m. Last Chinese troop train pulled out of Chinchow January 1, 11 a.m., followed foreign observers.
No regular troop nor Provincial Government remained Chinchow. The mayor with local police alone remaining. Japanese aeroplanes flew over Chinchow, intervals 1 and 2 hours daily during entire period evacuation, no bombs dropped. No indication approach Japanese troops up to the time of departure foreign observers.
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Repeat War Department.”