793.94/7443: Telegram
The Consul General at Tientsin (Caldwell) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 27—10:15 a.m.]
According to a reliable report Japanese troop train of 17 cars containing probably 2,000 men passed through Chinwangtao at 7 a.m. today en route to Tientsin.
Japanese troops in Peiping and Tientsin and at railway stations between Shanhaikwan and Peiping have been gradually increased within the past week, 200 having arrived yesterday in Peiping, and 400 in Tientsin.
International racecourse here is being leveled for use as Japanese military aviation field. Japanese Army plane yesterday landed crew who measured field and are superintending work of Chinese laborers. It is reported that 40 or more Japanese aircraft will arrive there within a few days.
Strict martial law enforced in Chinese controlled areas again last night. City quiet but very tense feeling prevails among Chinese.
True reading to the Embassy.