740.0011 Pacific War/3173: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Vincent) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 27—11:40 a.m.]
461. Following is summary of Military Attachés45 review of military situation during past week:
The period has been relatively quiet and there are no apparent prospects of an early coordinated military action in the China theatre. Jap broadcast that operations commenced in mid-February in the Yangtze River areas north of Tungting Lake and in the Huai River valley in Northern Kiangsi have been concluded and are now in mopping up stage; reduced activity in those areas confirms broadcast. Chinese military continue to report operations in area of Hwajung, Kungan, and Kingman but they are on small scale. Chinese also report successes in minor engagements in Anhwei and Kwangtung Provinces. In Yunnan there was no significant activity.
Chinese intelligence reports that puppet troops have taken over garrison duties at Paotou in Suiyuan Province, Kuwo in Shansi province, and Totseh and Kaocheng in Shantung. This will release regular Jap troops (number stated) for service elsewhere. Appointment of Takuro Matsui as chief of staff of Jap forces in China taken as further indication of Japan’s intention to consolidate position in occupied China and control area insofar as practical with puppet troops. (Embassy recalls that this Matsui is man who prior to 1937 was regarded favorably by Chinese officials at Nanking. He is not the Matsui responsible for the Nanking outrage in 1937.)
[Page 40]Nanking régime and Japs have concluded agreement for return of Peiping Legation Quarter to the Chinese and for rendition of Jap concessions. This and other recent Jap actions indicate desire to strengthen Wang Ching-wei’s authority. Embassy interprets recent Jap civilian and military actions in China as implementation of plan of continuing and strengthening strategic defense position in China through more effective use of Chinese.
- Col. Morris B. DePass, Jr.↩