740.0011 P.W./7–2145: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Hurley) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2:10 p.m.]
1206. Summary of M[ilitary] A[ttaché]’s report for week ending July 21 as follows:
Jap troop movements toward strategic bases in North, Central and South China continued. Considerable coastal activity was reported, especially in Shantung, Kiangsu and Chekiang. Enemy accelerated its withdrawal from Honan, Kwangsi and Kwangtung and Kweilin was almost in hands of Allies.
It was reported that there was increasing withdrawal of Jap troops from Yellow River bend area and that puppet troops were taking their place. There was apparently a large scale reorganization of enemy forces, puppet troops supplementing Japanese cadres. [North?] eastern troop movements continued, especially toward Hopei and Shantung. From Yangtze River area north, Japs were fortifying their positions. They withdrew from more of their holdings in western Chekiang and strengthened their positions in Shanghai–Hangchow bay area. Enemy movement northward in Kwangsi–Hunan corridor was accelerated, with Chinese forces reported near Kweilin. It is anticipated that Kweilin will pass to Allied hands in near future as no substantial Jap forces remain in this area. Yangtze River shipping increased, probably indicating passage of enemy was considerably weakened by recent withdrawal of enemy troops. Only gendarme and navy troops remain, it is said.
During week ending July 18, [apparent omission] 2 bomber and 550 fighter sorties were flown against enemy, mostly against communication lines. About 180 sorties took place in Central China, 200 in North China, and balance in Indochina and South China.