793.94/10030: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 11—2:35 p.m.]
689. Japanese early this morning launched heavy attack under cover of artillery barrage along the Lotien–Woosung front with apparent intention of forcing Chinese withdrawal from the civic center and Kiangwan area. Japanese reports of commencement of general Chinese withdrawal are not confirmed. Japanese are landing additional troops, artillery and supplies almost continuously.
Japanese naval vessels in Shanghai harbor subjected wide areas of Pootung to extremely heavy bombardment yesterday in an attempt to silence fire from Chinese batteries and snipers. Action not successful. Japanese aeroplanes continue very active around Shanghai and have been systematically and indiscriminately bombing communications leading into the interior. Chinese planes continue to make nightly raids on Japanese war vessels and military positions but without much effect.
Shells and bullets continue to fall in the Settlement and French Concession with resulting daily casualties. Seven Japanese shells fell on the 9th in the American Marine sector; the Japanese expressed regret.