740.0011 Pacific War/2840: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 2—11:58 a.m.]
1127. Military situation in China at present quiet without indication that Chinese contemplate major action or Japanese currently plan to do more than hold strategic points and lines now in their possession. Reported recent military action in Chekiang believed essentially of nature of skirmishes notwithstanding Chinese reports of heavy fighting. Japanese forces still occupy Kinhwa and Lanki and have retaken Wuyi. One report indicates that Japs have recently experienced some difficulty with puppet troops in vicinity of Nanchang. Military Attaché’s office believes reported movement of Jap troops in Kalgan area no more than return of some troops to their original positions; that there may have been some recent withdrawals from China; and that Jap forces in Indochina, Thailand and Burma now comprise only four and one-half divisions. The Military Attaché himself is scheduled shortly to return from an extended tour of front line areas toward eastern China and will probably have important first-hand information.
[Page 157]The political front has likewise remained quiet in past week without significant developments in connection with either Kuomintang-communist relations or the reorientation of Sinkiang. Chinese attention for the moment is centered on impending visit of Mr. Willkie.