793.94/11061: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 10—7:16 p.m.]
952. My 949, November 9, 6 p.m. A Chinese force variously estimated at a few hundred to a few thousand is making a last stand in the Nantao area on instructions allegedly received from Nanking. This afternoon there has been heavy Japanese bombing and shelling of the Nantao area with Japanese batteries firing over the Settlement and along the concessions. Fortunately no casualties in latter areas have been reported. Chinese stand in Nantao is of no military value and is undoubtedly being undertaken for political reasons. Japanese have been consolidating their positions in the Lunghwa and Hungjao areas. Heavy fighting is reported to be in progress in the vicinity of Sungkiang.
Sent to the Department. Repeated to Nanking and Peiping.