739.94/4384: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cunningham) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 24—12:25 p.m.]
103. Continuing my daily report 101, February 23, 6 p.m.
As stated in paragraph 6 of yesterday’s report, the Japanese offensive [Page 430] has definitely come to a halt. There has been no activity in the last 12 hours. It is estimated that Japanese are holding a front of some 11,000 yards with the right resting on Maoon near Woosung south to Hongkew. Parts of Kiangwan Village are still in the hands of Chinese snipers who are giving the Japanese a very bad time. Observers who have penetrated to Tazang Village through the Chinese lines state that the Chinese machine-gun dugout nests are cleverly camouflaged as Chinese grave mounds. Because of this the Japanese airplanes are unable to detect enemy positions. The minor attacks which were begun by the Chinese yesterday along the Japanese front were beaten back. Military men seem to believe that the Japanese will have difficulty in maintaining their extended front until their reenforcements arrive. Elsewhere the situation remains quiet.
Repeated to the Legation and Nanking for information.