740.0011 PW/2–645: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Hurley) to the Secretary of State
Chungking, February 6,
1945—3 p.m.
[Received February 6—1:40 p.m.]
[Received February 6—1:40 p.m.]
178. Following summary M[ilitary] A[ttaché]’s review week ending 3d:
- (1)
- Jap drive in S. China continued unabated. Suichuan fell to enemy on 30th, Kukong on 31st. Jap column from Leiyang (Hunan) captured Chenhsien completing occupation of all but small portion of Canton–Hankow Railway. Enemy continued to expand positions along China coast particularly in area between Canton and Swatow. Continued consolidation of enemy positions along China seaboard expected in coordination with interior drive. Recent unconfirmed reports of large enemy troop movements into Indo-China from banning area difficult to evaluate; may be reinforcements for Indo-China garrisons or fresh troops for projected offensive against Kunming, may also be merely withdrawal to original positions of troops which invaded China late December to secure vulnerable communication lines in that area.
- (2)
- Activity of 14th A[ir] F[orce] limited by poor weather to attacks on Conviyc [convoys and?] railroads in Nanking, Pengpu, Hengshan and Hankow areas and along Pinghan Railway. Fighter patrol maintained over Stilwell Road but no enemy planes encountered.
Hurley