793.94/5825: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 29—6 a.m.]
97. Reuter reports following interview with Marshal Tuan Chi-jui, Shanghai, 28th:
“‘There is no room for compromise. China is unable to start negotiation with Japan unless Japan first restores Manchuria which she occupied by military force.’ Marshal went on to say that at this time when nation was passing through unprecedented crisis every Chinese citizen must do his duty to protect nation against aggression. It was necessary to abandon differences of opinion when fate of country was at stake.
Referring to his visit to Nanking Marshal Tuan said it had no special purpose and no political significance. He saw General Chiang Kai-shek because General Chiang was an old student of his. It was true that he contributed his views on the existing situation but [Page 137] only in his capacity as private citizen. ‘But what I did was only to contribute my views. Whether they will be adopted is the Government’s business.’ Marshal categorically denied current reports that he went to Nanking specially to offer advice on anti-Japanese campaign and that he favored direct Sino-Japanese negotiations. ‘All such reports are unfounded and they are pure Japanese press fabrications aiming at misleading the public’”