793.94/17045

The Navy Department to the Department of State 58

The following was received from the Assistant Naval Attaché, Shanghai November 21, 1941:

At Woosung military supply base intense activity since 15th. Unusual number ships present including former merchant craft averaging 10,000 tons and up. Wednesday 10 transports sailed 8 of which carried troops. Same day 32 additional similar type anchored lower Whangpoo. Landing boats continue part of outgoing equipment. On decks 3 outbound ships observed number creosoted heavy timber trestles in sections each about 60 feet long, 8 thick and same width. Several vessels apparently recently taken over appear to be completing installation machine gun mounts after arrival here. 1,000 troops departed from Swatow last Saturday.

  1. Noted by the Secretary of State.