740.0011 P.W./7–945: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Hurley) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 9—noon.]
1132. M[ilitary] A[ttaché’s] summary for period July 1 to 7 follows:
Medium scale enemy troop movements in North China continued, chiefly in Western Honan and Shansi. Activity in the coastal area went on as previously reported, and Amoy, yet another Japanese secondary coastal base, was being evacuated. The Northern Kwangsi situation developed rapidly. Enemy troops having effected a concentration there, it seemed likely that there would be a movement northward in the near future. The abandonment of Liuchow signalled the further evacuation of Kwangsi.
In North China, Jap troop movements took place both north and south of the Yellow River. In Central and South Shansi the enemy abandoned more of their outlying positions, and consolidated their forces along communication lines. In West Honan enemy activity consisted for the most part of limited counterattacks near Hsihsiakow. About 18,000 enemy troops were reported to be stationed between Nanyang and Hsihsiakow, representing a substantial increase in strength. However, this force is not sufficient for westward offensive operations and no threat to Sian is envisaged from this area at present.
There was no change in the situation in the Shanghai area. The movement of enemy troops which has withdrawn from Wenchow continued across north Chekiang toward the Hangchow–Ningpo area. However, a force of 400 Japanese remained on Yuhuanahuan Island east of Wenchow. On July 2 and 3 the Japs evacuated Amoy and proceeding partly by sea and partly overland they passed through Swatow and then westward along the coast of Kwangtung. According to Chinese intelligence, this movement involved about 1,000 men; whether this is a complete evacuation remains to be determined.
The northward movement through the Kwangsi–Hunan corridor continues.
Twenty thousand troops are said to be leaving the Hengyang area, presumably for the Yangtze. Enemy troops from Liuchow were proceeding toward Kweilin. The Japs apparently have completed the transfer of their forces from the Canton area to southern Kiangsi and several towns through which they passed have been reoccupied by the Chinese. Most of these forces, including the 27th Division and elements of several others, about 3,000 in number, seemed to be concentrated in the Kukong–Kanhsien salient. According to Chinese sources, there is underway a concentration of supply laden river boats [Page 131] possibly for use in operations northward along the Kan River which this season of the year is navigable. Japs in the Nanchang area are said to be commandeering many buildings for use by their troops should they move there from the south. Chinese troops are moving out of Suichwan, 60 miles north of Kanhsien, apparently in anticipation of a Jap move down the Kan River. As yet, however, no such move has been reported. The 14th Air Force flew 561 sorties (64 medium bomber and 497 fighter) during the week. Two hundred and four of these were in North China and were mostly against railways. Two hundred and forty-seven were flown in Central China in support of ground troops and against road and river communication lines. There were 92 sorties in South China and 18 in Indochina, principal targets being lines of communication.