793.94/4870: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 25—11:25 a.m.]
My March 24, 9 p.m.
1. Meeting resumed today at 10 a.m. with discussion of first sentence of article 1 of draft March 19, “The Chinese troops will remain in their present positions pending later arrangements”. Quo stated he could not accept wording if it implies any limitation upon China’s freedom to move troops within her own boundaries. Japanese cling to old wording as they apparently do not want to abandon idea of another conference. Matter goes over for the present and they proceeded to definition of Chinese positions.
2. In regard to article 2, draft March 19, Quo stated that text was [Page 630] acceptable to Chinese side provided following wording inserted at the beginning of article: “In accordance with a definite program regulating withdrawal as shown in annex (blank) to this agreement” before opening words “the Japanese troops will withdraw”. After some discussion matter was put over as a question of drafting while they take up program of Japanese withdrawal. Both sides then accepted the first paragraph annex to Japanese draft (my March 24, 9 p.m.) regarding withdrawal, i.e., that the withdrawal begin within a week.
3. Uyeda stated in reply to question when meeting reconvened at 3 p.m. that it would require 6 weeks to complete withdrawal Japanese troops to positions adjacent to Settlement and Hongkew extra-Settlement roads. This time necessary as I understand to enable them to find quarters for troops. Japanese will have approximately 37,000 soldiers to accommodate and want to hold them indefinitely. They have no room for them in the Settlement. (In this connection it is very apparent that Japanese are treating problem as a purely military problem in which considerations of defence are dominant).
4. Quo finally asked Japanese how long it would take to complete withdrawal to Settlement and Hongkew extra-Settlement roads. General Uyeda stated he could not say whereupon argument taken up between Shigemitsu and Quo, Shigemitsu stating that it is impossible for them to give a time for withdrawal. They will withdraw their troops when the situation permits. They hope that this will be very soon. Chinese Minister, however, objected that whole purpose of conference was defeated by this attitude on the part of Japanese as conference was undertaken under League resolution of March 4th which called for cessation of hostilities and the regulation of the withdrawal Japanese troops. The longer the troops are kept here the longer will the situation remain disturbed.
As anticipated in my telegram March 23[21], 10 a.m., reporting information brought to me by the Military Attaché, the Japanese have designated line Szetseling through Yanghang, Tachang to Chenju behind which their forces intend to withdraw. Chinese object to it as covering areas distant from the Settlement and not compatible with the first sentence of paragraph 2 of draft March 19.
5. Meeting adjourned until 10 a.m. tomorrow, March 26th.
6. Quo threatened to break and refer matter to the League and his Government; Shigemitsu pleaded with him to continue meetings while the question of Japanese and Chinese lines be left to a subcommittee composed of General Tashiro, General Gaston Wang and the Military Attachés of Great Britain, United States, France and Italy to meet concurrently. It being evident that the Japanese did not wish to break [Page 631] I joined Lampson in persuading Quo to meet again in the morning without prejudice to his position on the disputed points.