Office of the Historian

793.94/4045: Telegram

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

Shanghai, February 7, 1932—5 p.m.
[Received February 7—12:30 p.m.]

11. Continuing my daily report of February 6, 6 p.m.

1.
Last night the Japanese forces shelled the Chinese positions with heavy artillery. The bombardment continued for approximately an hour. Since then the desultory firing has continued. Defense headquarters was informed by the Japanese that the bombardment of North Station would re-commence today. The Japanese requested the use of one of the Settlement blockhouses for an observation post, but this was refused. Chinese refugees who have received word of the impending bombardment are pressing against the defense lines for admission. These are being admitted.
2.
A member of Consulate visited the principal streets of the Hongkew area. There were only six municipal police on duty, four of which are Japanese, while several hundred Japanese marines armed with [Page 249] bayonets were on duty. There were no Chinese living in this area. In many sections of Hongkew the municipal police are not permitted to resume function.
3.
It was discovered on this tour of observation that the consular proclamations to the effect that the property of the American Law School was American had been torn down and the property had again been broken into.
4.
The Japanese Consulate informed me this morning that one mixed brigade of Japanese troops would arrive this afternoon in Shanghai. This force is to be brigaded with the Japanese naval landing forces. This contingent is to take over Woosung. It is understood that 600 Japanese troops are to land south of Woosung. It is understood that operations against Woosung commenced this afternoon 3:30 p.m. Still fighting.
5.
The Japanese have established an aviation landing field on the edge of the Settlement in the Yangtzepoo district three-quarters of a mile this side of the Shanghai Baptist College. It is reported that there are 14 land planes on this field.
6.
It was also reported from fairly reliable sources that the Chinese planes are dispersed over various emergency landing fields in the vicinity of Shanghai.
7.
[Apparent omission] of the Chinese civilian prisoners mentioned in my February 5, 7 p.m., which were being held under detention by the Japanese military in Hongkew have been turned over to the Shanghai Municipal Council.

Repeated to the Legation, Nanking, and Tokyo for information.

Cunningham