793.94/13054: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 21—2:14 a.m.]
322. 1. The Japanese Government is discouraging through the press and radio any disposition on the part of the public to assume that the capture of Hsuchow will directly lead to the collapse of Chinese military resistance. Such indication of the Government’s views has had a sobering effect, and there is general realization that the end is still far off.
2. Among informed Japanese, both official and private, emphasis is being placed on the fact that since classic times Hsuchow, by reason of its strategic position, has been the goal of those who sought to conquer China, and that its occupation by Japanese forces will have profound immediate effects, both strategic and psychological, on the Chinese. They admit, however, that the secondary effects are as likely to be the passing of control from Chiang Kai Shek to the Communist element, with intensified Chinese resistance and increased possibility of Soviet involvement, as the development of Chinese internal dissension.
3. Belief that the drive on Hankow will occur (see my 282, April 28, 7 p.m.) is becoming more pronounced.
Repeated to Shanghai for Hankow.