793.94/3627: Telegram
The Consul General at Nanking (Peck) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 25—8:50 a.m.]
15. My 14, January 24, 4 p.m. The following telegram has been sent to the Legation: [Page 61]
“January 25, 5 p.m. My January 24, 3 p.m.46 The tension over the Shanghai incidents of recent date has been lessened because the Chinese Government has decided to meet the Japanese demands as far as circumstances permit and negotiations are being conducted by the Chinese local authorities in a conciliatory spirit. In addition to its natural disinclination summarily to close the patriotic anti-Japanese organizations the Government feels that it has lost so much prestige in its controversy with Japan that summary action of this sort, which is among the demands, would provoke dangerous popular opposition. Sun Fo, in sympathy with Eugene Chen in the matter of severing of relations, left Nanking January 23, 8 a.m., and it seems uncertain whether he can return to his post. Chen has telegraphed his resignation.
Repeated to Department. [”]