Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1932, The Far East, Volume III

793.94/3695: Telegram

The Consul General at Shanghai (Cunningham) to the Secretary of State

Shanghai, January 29, 1932—4 p.m.
[Received January 29—9 a.m.]

My telegram of January 29, 7 a.m. The military occupation of Chapei by the Japanese forces continues. Chinese resistance appears to be increasing.

2. The Japanese Consulate General and Japanese Admiral state that their occupation of Chapei was a measure for the protection of their nationals and a part of the general defense scheme of the Settlement; that it was not connected with the Consul General’s demands. They said that in engagement last night and early this morning Japanese suffered 95 casualties, including 11 killed. Chinese casualties unknown but must be many times heavier.

3. I received a call this morning from Mayor Wu. He was very anxious that something be done to stop the fighting since he declared Japanese forces undoubtedly endanger the Settlement. British Consul General and myself called on Japanese Consul General and Japanese Admiral on behalf of preserving International Settlement. Fuller details will be reported later date.

4. Latest development is that Japanese have cut Shanghai-Hang-chow Railway at bridge over Soochow Creek behind [Jess] field [Park?] and British forces holding that sector have retreated. This may be the forerunner of more extensive military operations. Heretofore the Japanese military operations have been confined almost entirely to Chapei. Japanese deny report published in press this morning that they had attacked Woosung forts.

Repeated to the Legation.

Cunningham