740.0011 Pacific War/3973: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 25—7:02 a.m.]
1102. Consul [at] Kweilin by message through Army dated 24th reports that, with collapse of Chinese resistance in Hunan and abandonment of airfield at Hengyang, Kweilin becomes equally indefensible and a Jap advance on Kweilin is expected soon. He is closing Consulate officially as of 25th but he and Vice Consul Service are remaining there for time being to assist our Army in negotiations with civil authorities and in evacuating U. S. citizens.
My information from both Chinese and American sources indicates that Chinese forces have put up practically no resistance in Hunan despite the active American air support. It is to be expected that Japs will be able to advance practically unopposed by Chinese forces and Southeast China will thus be lost. Ringwalt has advised against prospective visit of Vice President to Kweilin and our Army there has advised headquarters similarly. This advice has been relayed to Kunming.