740.0011 P.W./9–344
The Consul at Kweilin (Ringwalt) to the Ambassador in China (Gauss)62
Sir: I have the honor to enclose a memorandum dated September 2, 1944,63 in which Vice Consul Richard M. Service reports on a conversation held at Kukong on August 24, 1944, with Chairman Li Han-hun of the Kwangtung Provincial Government. Vice Consul Service visited Kukong while traveling with the first U. S. Army Services of Supply truck convoy carrying aviation fuel to the 14th USAAF base at Kanchow, Kiangsi following interruption of rail transportation facilities at Hengyang.
Summary of Memorandum: Chairman Li expressed his earnest desire to cooperate with the American military authorities to expedite the movement of supplies through Kwangtung. He declared that he is convinced that American forces will effect a landing on the south China coast before the end of the present year, and stated that he is anxious to assist the American authorities to the utmost when this takes place. He renewed his request of a year ago that an American consular officer be assigned to service in Kwangtung, stressing the importance of such an assignment now in order that his government might render maximum assistance to American forces. The Chairman stated that his government will be set up in two centers should final evacuation of Kukong become necessary because of military developments: to the west of the railway at Lienhsien, and to the east of the line at Laolungssu, where he will make his headquarters. He stated that he believed that the enemy will re-open its drive against south China from Hunan within a month’s time if sufficient re-inforcements can be brought up, and that the campaign will be directed against the Hunan–Kwangsi Railway. Governor Li doubted that the Japanese would attempt an attack on Chungking, and affirmed that the political situation in south China would remain unaffected if such an attack took place. With its population reduced by 60% following enforced evacuation, Kukong, no longer a railway terminus, has lost much of its commercial and political importance.
Respectfully yours,