Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1937, The Far East, Volume III

793.94/10852: Telegram

The Counselor of Embassy in China (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State

Peiping, October 26, 1937—5 p.m.
[Received October 26—11:50 a.m.]

697a. Embassy’s 695, October 25, 4 p.m.⁶⁴

1. Competent, informed Japanese have supplied the information contained in this paragraph. Delay in formation of a new regime in North China is due to the fact that important military and civilian elements in Tokyo believe that a settlement of North China question should be and can be reached eventually by direct negotiations between Tokyo and Nanking and that the formation of such a regime would obstruct those negotiations. Kita, director of political affairs in Hopei, is in accord with the above view. A number of the most influential officers who might be opposed to this view are now in active service on various fronts where they cannot interfere in political matters; so this view will probably prevail. The presence of such officers at the fronts is probably the cause of a difference of opinion now evident among Japanese military as to what should be the southern limit of advances in North China.

2. There continue to be reports that local Japanese authorities are urging local Chinese officials to persuade the National Government to make peace with Japan (Embassy’s 653, October 13, 5 p.m. and 659, October 15, 5 p.m.). This factor, together with the slowing up of the Japanese advance in Shantung and Shansi, in conjunction with the approach of the Nine Power Conference, is creating an impression among some local Chinese which seems well founded, that Japan is anxious to end hostilities. In this connection and with reference to Tientsin’s 39 [59], October 21, 5 p.m.,⁶⁵ reporting the departure of Li Shih Hao⁶⁶ from Tientsin for Central China, it is reliably reported that Chang Pi has gone to Shantung and Chen Chung Fu⁶⁷ to Hong Kong for the purpose of devising a settlement of the North China situation.

3. The solution of the North China situation seems to depend primarily upon the outcome of the conflict at Shanghai.

4. A reviving interest among Japanese capitalists in economic development of North China, as reported in recent press despatches, appears to be premature because of the abnormal conditions still existing and the absence of funds.

5. Japanese inspired regulation of education in Peiping continues, with changes in text books, alternation of the character of sports affected by the abolition of boy scouts and girl guide organizations and of military drill. The study of the Japanese language 2 hours weekly in middle schools is compulsory.

Repeated to Nanking and Tokyo.

Lockhart

64. Not printed.
65. Not printed.
66. Retired member of former Anfu Party.
67. Former member of the Hopei-Chahar Political Council.