FO371-23517 — Page 184

Page 184

Page 184

4501

F

/10

CONFIDENTIAL 1939 MESSAGE.

From: R.A. Yangtse.

ADMINISTRATIVE CODE (E).

IN

Date: 3/5/39.

Recd: 1853.

Addressed: C. in C. China repeated Admiralty, S.O. (I) Shanghai, N.L.0. Shanghai, S.N.O. Shanghai, Yangtse Gunboats.

534.

74

Yangtse situation report number 7. Below barrier

Tug CHANG TEH twice Better cargoes from North Bank. boarded by Japanese at Hsinsenkong but no interference and good cargo. German, American and Japanese trade at Hsupu Kow Haimen open, s.s. LIWO running regularly. One (corrupt group) doing good trade at 3 miles West of (corrupt group) Gyinsha which is still open for passengers. Nanking Guerillas very active all round and on a big scale. Japanese wounded have been arriving, 4th route army said to be within 51 miles.

Military parade

S.N.O. at Emperor's birthday, estimated 6000 troops.

Am unable to (corrupt group) not invited to attend. railway is (corrupt group) efficient with occasional interruptions Wuhu Guerillas reported within three miles of town. Local complications have obliged British

American Tobacco Company to stop sale of tobacco.

Kiukiang. Since conscription Kuling Japanese

Military are showing a much more friendly attitude to

foreigners.

General Todo hitherto unapproachable

commanding Kuling operations received S.N.0. very cordially at Kuling and a (2 corrupt groups) two later luncheons

(2 corrupt groups).

There is little local trade, but

time is ripe to press for return of foreigners to their

(corrupt group).

Hankow very quiet, fresh troops are still arriving and leave in a Northerly direction.

Page 184

General/..

Page 184

Page 184