793.94/4524: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cunningham) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 2—9:15 a.m.]
143. It is learned from Jun Ke Choy that the 19th Route Army has retired voluntarily to Chenju. From other sources it is learned [Page 491] that Chapei has been evacuated and that Eugene Chen has informed newspapermen that the retirement was necessary because of non-support by the National Government and absence of ammunition. This was distinctly denied by Mr. Choy. The retirement places Chapei so far as the Chinese are concerned in exactly the same position as Hongkew and Yangtzepoo vis-à-vis the Shanghai Municipal Council.
2. Mr. Choy transmitted to me the following official message from the Mayor which he requested me to transmit to the Shanghai Municipal Council and at my discretion to the members of the consular body. The information was that the Mayor has sufficient police in Nantao to maintain peace and order; that there were in Nantao 2, 600 volunteers; that there was no occasion for any concern in regard to that district.
Repeated to the Legation and Nanking. Copy to the Minister.