793.94/9847: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 1—4:44 p.m.]
630. Japanese military spokesman informed foreign press correspondents today that Japanese Air Forces have now completed all necessary preparations and are ready to bomb and raid all Chinese military bases, air fields and lines of communications. He referred to the raid on Canton as a preliminary to more extensive operations.
In view of the likelihood of military operations extending into the interior, probably along the Shanghai–Nanking Railway and the Yangtze River, and the even more extensive bombing operations apparently contemplated by the Japanese, I have been advising Americans in the provinces of Chekiang and Kiangsu south of the Yangtze River to concentrate at Mokanshan and am informing them that transportation facilities by British vessel are available from [Page 301] Ningpo to Shanghai. As regards those citizens residing north of the river, I have thus far merely advised them to avoid troop concentration centers, air fields and fortified areas, however, at my request Admiral Yarnell has ordered a destroyer to proceed to Haichow, at the eastern terminus of the Lunghai Railway, to investigate the possibility of evacuating Americans through that port. In giving further advice to Americans in the latter area the Embassy’s cooperation will be appreciated. Will keep the Embassy informed of further developments.
Sent to Nanking; repeated to the Department and Peiping.