740.0011 P.W./4–1445: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Briggs) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 15—3:05 p.m.]
633. Following is summary of Military Attaché’s report for week ending April 14:
The Japanese 40th and 68th Divisions which had participated in the recent operations in Kiangsi are now concentrated in the Changsha–Paoching–Hengyang area in addition to the 64th, the 116th and elements of the 34th Divisions which have been permanently stationed in this area. The presence of such strong Japanese forces there is a strong indication of a projected drive into west Hunan with the Chihkiang air base as a possible objective. Latest reports indicate heavy concentrations in Siangtan, Paoking and Tungan. These troops include first line offensive divisions with many months’ combat experience in South China.
After the capture of Laohokow by the 4th Cavalry Brigade and elements of the 3rd and 115th Armored Divisions, the Japanese were unofficially reported to have driven westward toward Ankang, their advance units having reached Yuhsien and Paiho. Elements of the [Page 92] 39th Division operating northward along both banks of the Han River were said to have reached the Laohokow–Kucheng area. However, according to Chinese intelligence sources, the Japanese as of midnight April 12 began to withdraw and Chinese forces reoccupied the city and airfield of Laohokow. These reports, if true, would indicate that the Japanese westward drive is at an end, its objectives having been reached. They may now hold a line running parallel to the Han River which would prevent the Allied use of the Laohokow air base and thus give adequate protection to Japanese positions in North Central China and particularly to the Lunghai and Pinghan Railways. These reports are not conclusive, he says, and although there may be considerable activity in the areas mentioned, it may be of a temporary nature and may have no bearing on the campaign as a whole.
As a result of the abrogation of the Russo-Japanese pact,26 Japanese military strength in Manchuria will have to be increased and will undoubtedly affect their troop dispositions in the southeast. A change in Japanese strategy can be expected from the appointment of Suzuki27 as Premier as it indicates a possible departure from the extreme rightist policies of the past. However, the new Government has not as yet activated any policies which would warrant such an assumption.
Little air opposition was encountered during the week. The 14th Air Force continued to carry out heavy attacks against highway, rail and river communications. These attacks were concentrated along the Lunghai and Pinghan Railways, the Han River and the Sian corridor. Dock areas at Hankow, Kiukiang and other points along the Yangtze were struck with good results and enemy ground forces in the Laohokow area were attacked. Hainan Island and Luichow Peninsula installations were swept by bombing missions and fighters and communications and enemy ground forces in Indochina were targets of several missions.