Office of the Historian

793.94/3959: Telegram

The Consul General at Shanghai (Cunningham) to the Secretary of State

Shanghai, February 4, 1932—9 p.m.
[Received February 4—7:07 p.m.]

With reference to this Consulate General’s telegram February 3, 11 a.m., hereafter daily report will be made until further advised.

1.
Woosung forts not silenced yesterday as reported by Japanese. Japanese Consul stated that bombardment had recommenced noon today and he believed that it is Japanese Admiral’s intention to occupy the forts. Japanese Consul General reports that he has had no further negotiations with the Chinese Mayor. The Harbormaster stated this [Page 215] morning that he had issued no official notification to shipping but had advised shipping yesterday that they proceed to Woosung at their own risk. He stated port was not officially closed. This morning Japanese Consul General informed this office that Japanese had issued no official advice or information to merchant shipping of other nations. During bombardment of Woosung forts some 50 shells landed on the installation plant of Texas Oil Company. One shell went through an empty tank belonging to Asiatic Petroleum Company. The Mayor of Municipality of Greater Shanghai has informed this office officially that special martial law is in force from today, the 4th, and that no warships, merchant vessels, or other vessels should pass in or out of the harbor at Woosung between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. daily.
2.
The artillery duel between Japanese forces and Chinese Army has continued all day with more heavy gun fire than previously. Last night was fairly quiet with only short intervals of artillery, rifle and machine-gun fire. It is reported that some 4,000 troops of 19th Route Army are moving up to Chapei.
3.
Within last 24 hours there have occurred four fires between main post office and Range Road just west of North Szechuan Road. These were evidently of incendiary origin. The area from the Odeon Theatre, which was deliberately set on fire by Japanese, west to railway is completely gutted. Municipal fire department states the chief requested the Japanese military commander three times before he would consent to allow fire department to check the south half of the Odeon fire which was menacing the nearby Settlement lines. It appears to have been the definite purpose on the part of Japanese to burn. No definite information as to fires in Chinese sector can be obtained. So far no definite estimate as to total loss can be made. It has roughly been estimated that losses so far amount to Mexican dollars 30 million or more. From present fires in progress the loss will reach double this.
4.
Today the Chinese banks resumed business on a full scale. Rice shops, however, are conducting business through half-closed doors during the day as a precaution against robbers. Approximate total of 162,000 workers out of employment. The general labor union, recently formed, has asked various local unions to organize a National Salvation Army forthwith. According to information available there are approximately 300,000 piculs of Chinese rice and 100,000 piculs of Saigon rice in Shanghai area. Present stock considered sufficient for 2 months. The rice merchants are attempting to fix maximum prices of Chinese rice at $15 and Saigon rice at $11. There are estimated to be 300,000 tons of coal in Settlement. Chinese refugees continue to pour into the city with their property and belongings.

Repeated to Nanking and Legation and Tokyo for information.

Cunningham