123 C 353/236: Telegram

The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State

69. Department’s No. 9, January 10, 9 p.m. Following from American Consul General at Harbin:

“At an informal luncheon tendered by Japanese Consul General to myself. Chamberlain, Captain Nimmer and Lieutenant Brown yesterday, Lieutenant [Colonel] Hyakutake told Chamberlain that perpetrators of the attack upon him were being tried by court-martial and that information was desired as to the nature of the injuries inflicted for use in the trial in determining the extent of the penalties to be imposed. Chamberlain drew attention to his face, from which evidence of the attack had now disappeared, indicating that injuries were comparatively slight. It was suggested that Mukden physician who attended Chamberlain after the attack be asked to give professional information through the Consul General there.

All Japanese officials present again expressed regret at incident.

Although the Legation’s January 11, 5 p.m., had not yet been received, Chamberlain expressed his appreciation of the attitude of the Japanese officials and gave assurance of absence of resentment on his part.”

Johnson