793.94/4470: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cunningham) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 28—10:50 a.m.]
124. 1. Continuing my daily report. Continued aerial raids, cursory bombardment Chapei, sporadic fighting along entire line, arrival of both Japanese and Chinese reinforcements, great destruction property by numerous fires in Chapei, heavy casualty lists are prominent features of 31st day of Sino-Japanese conflict. Thirty-one days of successful defense by Chinese forces in vicinity of Shanghai has astounded and aroused the admiration of all observers. The arrival of Japanese reinforcements, their aircraft, superior and heavier armament, their adequate supply of ammunition, greater discipline and military efficiency, complete unity of purpose must prevail over Chinese in a very short time. Pin pricks will follow for a very long time the major conflict. The 19th Route Army has won for itself the gratitude of the mass of Chinese and while its commander has constantly declared that it was a part of the National Army the well-informed have not yet been able to accept without reservation that such assurance carries with it the support of any large number of the commands of other divisions who [are] unquestionably jealous of his successful defense. There are many evidences that both disputants are weary of the hostilities and this gives hope of the correctness of the views expressed in today’s news from Tokyo that there is hope for a mutual agreement for evacuation and withdrawal.
2. The restoration of the International Settlement to municipal authorities has advanced considerably during recent days and an officer of the Settlement states that functioning is “quite a bit better”. Much remains to be done, however, before it will come completely under the control of the municipality, nor will it be complete until the withdrawal of Japanese forces whose continued occupation has resembled that of a dictator.
3. American evacuation plans were issued last night, hoping to allay the nervous tension aroused by the issuance of the first notice [Page 465] cards for evacuation to the British subjects some days since. I am satisfied that the likelihood of a state of extreme emergency is very remote and the publication of plans may inspire the thousands of Americans with confidence imprecipitating [in the?] arrangements that have been made. Obviously shells will continue to fall in the foreign area so long as hostilities continue in environs. We have been quite lucky so far and it is certain that both disputants are making some effort to prevent serious harm from outside the Settlement to that part of the Settlement which is south of Soochow Creek. The internal precautions taken by the police authorities and foreign military forces are as good as can be made. Those in charge are prepared to evacuate Americans in event of extreme emergency but I have confidence such extreme emergency is very unlikely indeed.
Repeated to Legation and Nanking.