Office of the Historian

793.94/9304: Telegram

The Consul General at Shanghai (Gauss) to the Secretary of State

Shanghai, August 12, 1937—2 p.m.
[Received August 12—8 a.m.]

453. A large number of Japanese cruiser[s] and destroyers has now assembled in Shanghai harbor. Japanese airplane carrier reported to be off the coast in Chusan Island area. Also reported but not definitely confirmed that two Japanese transports with troops are approaching the mouth of the Yangtze. Japanese are converting Japanese golf course immediately outside eastern boundary of the Settlement as a landing field for aircraft.

2.
In discussions last evening between Japanese Consul General and Mayor, the former asked for withdrawal of Peace Preservation Corps. A Japanese consular officer confirms this but insists there [Page 380] was no ultimatum or time limit. The Mayor did not agree and is presumably referring [to his Government?] for instructions.
3.
There has been confirmed reports this morning of intensive preparation by Peace Preservation Corps in the area near Shanghai. Situation very tense.

Repeated to Nanking and Peiping.

Gauss