793.94/10163: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 20—8:33 p.m.]
738. My 724, September 18, 6 p.m.53 Military situation. With clearing weather Japanese have renewed strong pressure in the vicinity of Lotien and are reliably reported to have made substantial gains. Shelling of Chapei and Kiangwan continues intermittently but no infantry attacks launched on these sectors during the past 2 days.
Spectacular Chinese air raids occurred nightfall 18th, planes attempting to bomb Japanese war ships, Japanese Consulate, and Japanese barracks in Shanghai. Objectives were undamaged but incendiary bombardment dropped in Hongkew District did much damage to neutral property, mainly British. Standard Vacuum Oil Company’s property on the Pootung side was also damaged; three oil tanks being pierced, one godown set afire and another badly damaged.
Japanese yesterday commenced extensive bombing operations between Shanghai and Nanking, dropping bombs on Sungkiang, Kashingkun, Shanghai, Soochow, and Kiangyin. Continued and more intensive bombing of interior points is anticipated.
Madame Chiang Kai-shek visited Shanghai on the 18th and left for Soochow that night in company with T. V. Soong. Reliably reported that a military conference was convened at Soochow the following day at which the Generalissimo was present.
Sent to the Department. Repeated to Nanking and Peiping.
- Not printed.↩