893.00/7–2348: Telegram
The Consul General at Mukden (Ward) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 23—11:30 a. m.]
308. Local restrictions reaction shooting northeast students Peiping July 5 still emotional and criticism of way in which investigation being handled by Nanking and Peiping authorities very caustic. Impossible state whether criticism, which has taken form threat to Government by prominent northeasterners that failing satisfactory redress by August 1 northeast will declare independence, is primarily centered around student deaths or whether northeasterners using deaths force recognition numerous complaints against Government, primarily of which is restriction on remittances to intramural China. In any event notable northeasterners, normally sound and well-balanced, now openly agitating northeast independence move if Government does not meet northeast demand. Consul General today discussed move with Wei Li-huang, who stated Nanking will send important official Peiping make thorough investigation. Wei believes period enable their rational thinking processes overcome present emotional outburst. Wei has also sent representative to Nanking to attempt settle problem of remittances to intramural China from northeast.