793.94/2939: Telegram
The Consul General at Tientsin (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 28—9:50 a.m.]
The following telegram has been sent to the Legation and to Nanking:
“The Chinese on their own initiative have notified Japanese military authorities this afternoon that they will at once withdraw their armed police to a safe distance from the Japanese Concession. If this plan is accepted by the Japanese, as it undoubtedly will be, the situation ought to be relieved. Consular body has recommended its acceptance and urged both sides to discontinue firing and show a conciliatory attitude.
There was heavy rifle, machine-gun and trench-mortar firing again this morning beginning at 2 o’clock, alleged from both sides. About 200 additional Japanese marines landed yesterday and today and this has given rise to rumors of an impending attack on the native city tonight. Japanese state, however, that they intend to confine their activities to defending their concession and will not go into Chinese territory.”