740.0011 P.W./4–145: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Atcheson) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 1—12:10 p.m.]
553. Following is summary of Military Attaché’s report for week ending March 31:
1. Japanese began the separate military operations in the Hunan–Hupeh area. The objective of the 1st operation was Laohokow air-base which was occupied after its successful evacuation on March 26. The objective of the 2d may be Lushih, the eastern gateway to Sian. With the destruction of Laohokow, the Japanese may next move on Ankang, 100 miles to the west, in order to decommission the secondary airbase. Such an operation would seriously threaten Han-chung, the Generalissimo’s headquarters in the northern area, and the communications system southward from Sian could be affected. A primary objective in the present campaign seems to be the clearance of the area south of the Lunghai and east of the Pinghan Railway in order to prepare the latter for probable troop movements which were previously dependent on the Tsinpu Railway. Because of increased Allied air activity at [Sian?], where additional heavy bomber bases have been constructed and where the 14th Air Force troop carrier command and the Chinese-American composite wing are located, Sian presents more of a strategic prize than formerly.
According to reports from various Allied intelligence sources, the Japanese appear to be planning a drive on Kunming, possibly from Tonkin via the Yunnan–Indochina Railway. Judging from the concentration of Japanese troops in Indochina, it may be assumed that this supposition is correct. However, little activity has been observed in the Nanning–Poseh area through which a coordinating drive on Kunming would logically be directed. It is recalled that the Honan operations in the spring of 1944 were in the nature of a diversionary campaign only and a prelude to a major drive through Hunan into Kwangsi.
CACW and the 14th Air Force continued to support Chinese troops in [on?] the defensive in western Hunan and Hupeh. Bombers and fighters concentrated their attacks on supply bases and lines of communication. Targets along the Changsha-Hankow, the Lunghai and the Pinghan Railways were heavily bombed, rail and truck columns throughout the war zone were strafed and shipping on the Yellow River was attacked with good results. Plane losses were largely due to enemy ground fire in low altitude operations. Little Japanese air activity was noted. New Japanese positions in Indochina were also attacked.
[Page 74]2. U. S. Army Headquarters here states that Japs are now consolidating positions in Laohokow area and there are indications that they may drive westward as indicated above by Military Attaché. They are without information as to number Jap troops involved but Jap tank units have apparently been identified.
Headquarters is concerned over Jap concentrations in northern Indochina—now believed to be more than two but not more than four divisions—and state that this force is too large for purposes of occupation of Tonkin where all significant French resistance has ceased.