814 Chapter 6
MID#616
Dispute Number: 616
Date(s): October 29, 1935 to November 27, 1935
Participants: 740 Japan/710 China
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: Japan reignited the fight in China by giving a “Three-Point Program” to
Chinese officials. The move was effectively a threat to use force unless China moved
closer politically. By November 18, Japanese sources were openly stating their plans
for breaking off the northern part of China. On November 20, China mobilized by
calling up a conscript army—what would be the largest army in the world—in order
to counter Japanese moves. On November 27, Japanese troops temporarily seized
two railway stations just outside of Peiping. Extensive Japanese troop movements in
the Peiping-Tientsin area made the situation even more tense for fear of a full-scale
Japanese invasion from Manchuria.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from November 1, 1935. End Date changed
from November 28, 1935. Fatalities changed from Missing.
MID#2214
Dispute Number: 2214
Date(s): July 10, 1936 to December 30, 1936
Participants: 710 China/740 Japan
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (Negotiated)
Fatalities: 1–25 deaths
Narrative: The National Government of China was desperately trying to put
down a communist uprising in the middle of 1936, while the Japanese were mov-
ing into northern Chinese territory in accordance with the secret North China
Anti-Communist Agreement. On July 10, 1936, Japanese troops clashed with
the National Government Army in Dagu (Hebei). On August 24, during a protest
against Japan’s intent to set up a consulate-general in Chengdu (Sichuan), two
Japanese journalists were killed. On September 3, during another anti-Japanese
demonstration in Behai (Guangdong), a Japanese merchant was killed. Two Japa-
nese warships were sent from Shanghai to Guangdong as a response to the attacks
on Japanese citizens.
Another clash between the armed forces occurred near Beiping on September
- Two months later, in November, the Japanese focused their strength in the
Suiyuan province, with the help of the Mongols, but were repulsed.
Finally, on December 30, 1936, the National Government’s minister of foreign
affairs sent a letter of apology concerning the events of August and September,
along with indemnity for the injured and relatives. That same day the Japanese
ambassador replied that the incidents were regarded as settled.
Coding changes: Outcome changed from Unclear. Settlement changed from None.