793.94/4144: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cunningham) to the Secretary of State
Shanghai, February 12, 1932—6
p.m.
[Received February 12—1:30 p.m.]
[Received February 12—1:30 p.m.]
40. Continuing my daily report 36, February 11th.
- 1.
- On the Chapei sector the truce was supposed to prevail from 8 a.m. to noon for the purpose of bringing out women and children. It is roughly estimated that about 5,000 refugees with their belongings were brought into the International Settlement. The Japanese refused to extend the truce because, as they stated, it would only enable the Chinese to strengthen their position. Foreign observers state that the Chinese did not observe the truce but kept shooting at the Japanese [Page 301] front lines. The Chinese, however, deny this. We undertook to secure 6 hours’ extension as many refugees still remain within the lines but the Japanese would not consent. Bombers are still up in the air attempting to spot Chinese gun positions. Artillery duel was still in progress at 3:30 p.m.
- 2.
- On the Woosung front things are relatively quiet only desultory rifle and machine-gun fire taking place. It is said that the Japanese expect to be ready for a final drive at Woosung on or about the 14th.
Repeated to the Legation and Nanking for information.
Cunningham