793.94/14208: Telegram

The Consul General at Hong Kong (Southard) to the Secretary of State

18. With further reference to the Department’s telegram of October 24, 7 p.m., Hong Kong English newspapers have since the start of the Japanese invasion of South China commented editorially their amazement and puzzlement over the unopposed Japanese advance and have, with the exception of the Hong Kong Daily Press which is understood to have Chinese financing, been inclined to find an explanation in bribery or other factors uncomplimentary to Chinese self-esteem. As indicative of a possible change of thought and argument, which could be more inspired than sincere, there is quoted the following excerpt from an editorial in the usually quite independent China Mail of October 26:

“Between the puzzling circumstances associated with the surrender of Canton last week and the decision yesterday to refuse battle for the Wuhan cities there are obvious parallels: so striking that we may begin to wonder [whether?] first judgments have not done a grave injustice to Kwangtung’s military leaders. If it is fair to assume that the decision to abandon Hankow was based upon high policy and strategical considerations, it is not unreasonable to conjecture whether some of the reports which came through during the weekend, to the effect that General Yu Han Mou retired in direct obedience to orders [Page 344] from High Command, did not, after all, contain more than a germ of truth. An objective study of China’s military problems must confirm this much: that nothing is really changed by the fall of Canton or Hankow, Japan having once entered upon the invasion of South China.”

It is our well considered opinion that Hong Kong Government policy favors press comment as favorable as possible to the Chinese.

Repeated to Canton, Chungking, Peiping.

Southard