793.94/9117: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 1—12:21 p.m.]
353. 1. Chiang Kai-shek called a gathering of high officials this morning and explained to them the reasons he has delayed launching Central Government troops into action against the Japanese. The exact nature of his remarks is not known but it is understood from a source close to him that he expects to complete military preparations within 10 days, the main front in the north will be a line from Paoting east to Tsangchow, and after formation of this line diplomatic relations will be severed and eventualities will be met with force. During a call at General Staff Headquarters July 30 an officer of the Embassy gained definite impression that present Chinese military plans do not contemplate immediate if any advance by Central Government troops north of Paoting. Some Chinese troops, presumably three divisions of 53rd Army and elements of 37th Division of 29th Army, are [Page 312] reliably reported to be now digging in at Liuliho, south of Changhsintien, where 2 days ago the Government railway’s biggest repair shops were destroyed by Japanese air bombs.
2. We are reliably informed that last few days the Chinese Government has been purchasing and shipping west from Hankow presumably to Chungking large quantities of supplies including 3 million gallons of gasoline, 1½ million gallons of aviation gasoline, 500,000 gallons of fuel oil.
Sent to the Department, Tokyo.