740.0011 Pacific War/3914: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:38 p.m.]
881. Under date May 14 Drumright at Sian comments as follows:
Jap forces in Honan campaign, both from Sinyang and in north, estimated 60,000 to 70,000, met with only token resistance except at Hulaokuan and Lungmenchien (about 15 kilometers south of Loyang). While Chinese have not announced fall of Loyang, it apparently fell May 12th or 13th, having been deserted city from May 1st (Embassy’s 840, May 12th61). Mienchih on Lunghai fell with virtually no resistance and Japs reported at Kuanyintang on railroad to west by 13th; Japs also pushing west in Sunghsien area and from Lushan; latter operations reaching mountainous country and may cease when Chinese driven from plains. Possibility of Jap drives west from Loyang to Lushih. Thus far Japs do not seem to have made drive on Nanyang, important military center west Honan, drive which presumably would lead to capture of Neishiang to west and Laohofou (where there are air fields) and Fancheng and Siangyang, Hupeh.
First War Zone shattered. General Chiang Ting-wen and Tang En-po discredited and may be punished and degraded. Chinese suffered heavy losses in men, material, and crops. Loss of wheat crop, best in years, most serious loss. Chinese reverses in Honan leave Shensi wide open to attack. Hu Tsung-nan in very critical position as Japs may wish to seize railroad, cotton crop and Sian air field. Hu’s Ninth Army sent into west Honan reportedly destroyed by Japs and Hu’s Third and Thirty-ninth Group Armies reportedly being sent to Sinkiang. Hu seems aware of Jap threat, but not believed he would fare any better than Honan commanders if Japs desired to attack Sian. Possibility of Chungking attack on Communists has vanished and provincial authorities now said to fear Communist encroachment into Central Shensi. Continuation Kuomintang-Communist negotiations may reflect Chungking appreciation Hu’s weakened position and used more conciliatory policy toward Communists. Hu’s military subordinates show signs dislike of expansion United States air activity their [Page 78] theater as likely to result in Jap land invasion to destroy or seize air bases.
2. Chinese military spokesman May 19th stated Loyang still in Chinese hands but admitted city besieged all sides and all communication cut except radio. He said now clear Tungkuan “within the objective of enemy drive” and pointed to indications Japs had assembled troops on Yellow River opposite Tungkuan. Chinese communiqué 19th reported Jap occupation Shanhsien (about 50 miles east Tungkuan on Lunghai) 18th and fighting at Taying (southwest of Shanhsien) and at point about 20 kilometers west of Changshuichen (on Loyang–Lushih road along Lo River) where main Jap strength of about 6,000 men said by spokesman to be located. Spokesman said considerable Jap reinforcements concentrated Wuhan area and warned fighting may not be confined to Honan area.
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