793.94/10906: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 30—12:11 p.m.]
912. My No. 900, October 28, 8 p.m.99 There has been little change in the military situation since the Chinese withdrawal from Chapei to the south bank of Soochow Creek. Both sides appear to be consolidating their positions. The Chinese have erected new defense works in the extra-Settlement area south of the creek beyond the British defense lines but military observers are not yet certain whether the Chinese intend to make a serious effort to hold these present lines. In any event the position of the contending forces endangers the western residential district which last night was thrown into a panic when shells burst in this area killing three British soldiers and wounding two and killing and wounding a number of Chinese. It has not been definitely determined whether Chinese or Japanese batteries were responsible but from the direction of fire it is thought that the shells were fired by a Japanese battery located north of Soochow Creek. British military authorities have advised that residents of certain sections avoid exposing themselves and be prepared if necessary to withdraw therefrom. I have advised that Americans follow advice of the British military authorities protecting the area.
Sent to the Department. Repeated to Nanking and Peiping.
- Not printed.↩