793.94/4331: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 20—9:30 a.m.]
Japanese attack commenced 7:30 a.m., firing has been going on since 9 o’clock.
My British colleague has made a last appeal to the Japanese to know if there is any chance of good offices with a view of settlement. Japanese Minister informed him matter now in hands of military and beyond his control, but that he was very anxious to find some way out and thought perhaps after first fighting a chance might offer. British colleague and myself are watching situation closely. We will not leave until we feel sure no further efforts on our part possible.