793.94/14965: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Peck) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 5—1:15 p.m.]
312. Embassy’s 561, August 30, 2 p.m. and Department’s 195, August 30, 7 p.m., both 1937.59 The outstanding impression left on the non-military mind by the bombings of the third and fourth instant has been the apparent inability of the Chinese to offer any effective opposition to air attack. Although business and residence areas of considerable size have been burned, a foreign correspondent estimates such areas as less than one tenth of the city and states that although the Chinese assert over 100,000 of the inhabitants have evacuated during the last 2 days the population is calm. Embassy has not been able to learn of any damage to military objectives worthy of mention. Casualties among Chinese probably between one and two thousand. Among foreigners it is reported that one German received wound in his leg and the secretary of the British Ambassador a wound in the head. It is now reported that the house of Vaught, American citizen, the only American property damaged to date, was injured but not burned.
Assistant Military Attaché states that military institutions regarded as legitimate objects of attack during a declared war are scattered throughout the city. It would seem therefore that no protest such as mentioned in telegrams in reference would be tenable especially since the diplomatic establishments and foreign civilian occupied property are likewise scattered throughout the urban area. Experience indicates that whereas other Embassies all of which are on the north bank are exposed to considerable danger the American Embassy on the south bank will be exposed to little risk.
In spite of the demonstrated vulnerability of Chungking to aerial bombardment I have not yet heard of any suggestion that the temporary capital be shifted.
Repeated to Peiping.