793.94/9285: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 11—10:05 a.m.]
257. 1. Information recently obtained by us in official Japanese quarters is as follows:
- (a)
- The evacuation of Japanese nationals from the Yangtze Valley was made compulsory by the Japanese Government and was not voluntary. There still remain along the Yangtze about 100 nationals, mostly official.
- (b)
- All Yangtze gunboats and Hankow landing force have been withdrawn to Shanghai.
- (c)
- Arrangements have been made to augment the Japanese landing force at Shanghai in case of need.
- (d)
- A new naval unit designated as the southern squadron has been organized. This unit will probably operate in South China waters.
- (e)
- The sending for the time being of reenforcements to North China has been completed but the exact number and whereabouts of reenforcements are not known to us. Indications are that the 5th and 6th Divisions have reached North China or adjacent Manchuria and that the 10th Division has been mobilized and may be en route.
2. The War Office expressed to the Military Attaché the view that movements and distribution of Chinese troops in North China can now be definitely regarded as “threatening” but no date has been set for beginning operations by Japanese forces which are still waiting for signs that the Chinese Government has reconsidered its attitude. [Page 374] The Vice Minister of War told the Military Attaché today that in spite of the threatening positions of Chinese forces the Japanese Army will not attack unless Chinese troops advance.
3. We conclude from the information now available that preparations have been completed to act without delay if development toward peaceful settlement reported in paragraph 3 of my telegram No. 254 August 10, 7 p.m., should prove abortive.
Repeated to Nanking.