793.94/14241: Telegram
The Consul General at Canton (Linnell) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 29—11 a.m.]
28. Further reference is made to the Department’s No. 4 of October 24, 7 p.m. and to my 19 of October 26. In possible explanation of the seeming complete collapse of the Chinese defense in and around Canton when the Japanese soldiers were still at a considerable distance from the city, I would point out the essential indefensibility of assistance solely by land forces against an enemy having in addition to strong land forces and mechanized armament complete command of the air and water.
The Chinese always realized that the Japanese could by combined land, air and naval attack reduce the fortifications at Bocca Tigris and that when this was accomplished Canton could be attacked by naval vessels and guns from the Pearl River.
I believe therefore the complete abandonment of Canton, being a part of the general policy of withdrawing to interior provinces at this time and preparing to wage a long contest on guerrilla lines and pursue the policy of forcing the Japanese to extend greatly their lines of communication and wear themselves out financially and in man power, was also decided upon to save Canton from an intensive combined attack by land, water and air, which would have cost countless lives if the people remained in the city.
Complete abandonment of the city and the great destruction wrought by the Chinese on leaving was also a gesture of defiance and determination to continue the struggle elsewhere. It was certainly not a signal of surrender.
Repeated to Peiping, Chungking, Hong Kong.