793.94/4273: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 18—10:20 a.m.]
246. Following from Captain Mayer:
“February 17, 5 p.m. Result of interview with Tsai Ting-kai indicates he will not retire from present positions without a fight. He stated to me that he had wholehearted Government support. Reports state 87th, 88th and 89th Divisions are in support south and west of Shanghai, these are old First, Second and Third Guard Divisions. General Tashiro, Japanese Chief of Staff, told me today that Japanese prefer 19th Army retire peacefully and although ready Japanese are not preparing to attack. Naval forces still in position on Chapei and Hongkew front. Army billeted in Yangtzepoo. Fairly heavy bombardment from both sides last night, a few Japanese shells fell in American sector and a few Chinese shells on Yangtzepoo water front.”