740.00115 Pacific War/5–2246: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in China (Smyth) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 22—12:25 p.m.]
848. Repatriation officers USAF China estimate 600,000 Japanese POW’s Manchuria and 700,000 Japanese civilians. Number Japanese removed to Soviet territory not known. Best available estimate, however, would indicate not more than 200,000 predominantly military personnel.
Repatriation operations from Hulutao commenced May 7. Latest available official repatriation figure shows 23,000 Japanese repatriated as of May 12. Mukden reports movement Japs outward through Hulutao stopped after proceeding rate 5,000 daily for 5 days. (Re-Deptel 138, May 16) Mukden also reports considerable administrative confusion regarding repatriation and some indication Central Govt side is mindful of possible disadvantage they would suffer if they evacuated all Japs their zone and Communists were left with trained Japs including military personnel in their hands.
Department will be informed as later repatriation figures become available.