740.0011 P.W./4–2245: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Briggs) to the Secretary of State
[Received 1:37 p.m.]
658. The new Japanese offensive in western Hunan (Embassy’s 641, April 18, 1 p.m.) made considerable progress. In the drive westward from the Paoking area, the entire 116th Division was being employed, and elements of the 68th and 34th Divisions were participating in a drive northward from Tungan. Several Japanese battalions of the 64th Division, in support of these moves, began a drive on Changteh. The objective of these drives seemed to be the advanced Allied airbase of Chihkiang. Its capture would place the Japanese on a good road leading to Kweiyang. With the approach of warm weather, the Japanese may renew their drive on to that important Allied base, an objective which they abandoned October [December?] 4 when a lack of supplies and unfavorable weather conditions made difficult offensive operations in Kweichow. However, it may be concerned solely with the elimination of the airbase at Chihkiang.
The Japanese westward offensive in northwestern Hupeh having terminated, temporarily at least, their troops have been withdrawing [Page 98] from Han River positions. Several hundred enemy troops continue to hold important positions within Laohokow, although this city has been reported again to be in Chinese hands. It is not yet determined whether the Japanese have withdrawn to regroup and await reinforcements or whether they have been driven back eastward with heavy fighting still in progress. The main Japanese objective—the abandonment of the Laohokow airbase—has been achieved. There is as yet no indication that there will be no further offensive operations in western Honan. Important troop movements from Chenghsien [westward?] into the Yellow River area indicate that troops withdrawn from Laohokow may be used in move on Sian, although it is still too early to interpret present enemy activities there.
On April 20 Chinese military intelligence reported the movement of four enemy divisions toward Chahar and Suiyuan proving enemy [is taking?] steps to reinforce Inner Mongolia to secure their flank in the event of hostilities with the U. S. S. R. Elsewhere in China, Japanese activities were curtailed or confined to local maneuvers. Enemy outposts at Sinfeng, Tayu and Kanhsien in Kiangsi were strengthened and were indicative of Japanese plans to hold their positions there. In Kwangtung, they were reported to be consolidating their positions along the coast between Canton and Swatow. Because of a reported food shortage at Swatow, the Japanese may soon drive northward to Meihsien to seize the entire stocks of rice normally held in that area. The CACW and the 14th Air Force continued their strafing and bombing missions with troop concentrations, railroads, supply lines and river vessels as their chief objectives.