The Manchurian Incident - Imaginative Exercise

Dear Henry

Thank you for your letter. My reply details the circumstances leading up to and including the recent incident at Mukden, and the actions of our military in response. I have also explained our current economic and political standing on certain issues which will help you understand our perspective on these events. I also aim to assure you of my government’s peaceful intentions for Manchuria.

We have experienced major difficulties in our relationship with China over the past few years. Of concern has been the influence exerted by Communists within the Nanking government, as well as internal dissension within the administration. In 1928 our emissary to China, Gonsuke Hayashi, spoke with the leader of the Kuomintang, Young Marshal Chang Hseuh-Liang, regarding this situation. Hayashi stressed that Japan was willing to assist Chang in suppressing dissident elements within his ranks. This help was refused, and Hayashi made it very clear that Japan would not hesitate to inter...