793.84/15315: Telegram
The Consul General at Hong Kong (Southard) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7:45 p.m.]
262. Continuing my No. 260, August 16, 3 p.m.82 Qualified observers here report that Japanese occupation of towns and places on the Hong Kong–Kwangtung frontier from the Pearl River to Mirs Bay is apparently being with a view to some permanence and closing of frontier to all traffic (which in recent months has reached almost normal volume) between this colony and the hinterland. Observers report about 2,000 Japanese troops strung along frontier. Chinese resistance reported negligible and there have been comparatively few refugees so far. Government here was previously informed by Japanese of their intention to police frontier and no incidents are anticipated although British soldiers and police have been stationed all along this side of the frontier.
Repeated to Chungking, Canton, Peiping.
- Not printed.↩