793.94/15931: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 11—12:16 p.m.]
255. Four groups numbering more than 100 Japanese planes today heavily bombed Chungking and environs, including Kiangpei and the western suburbs. Considering the intensity of the attack it would appear that property damage largely restricted to the business and residential areas was not extensive. The number of casualties is not known but it would appear that thanks to the efficiently operated dugout system the figure was not high. The structure housing the Russian Embassy was shattered and damaged by bombs falling immediately adjacent to it but there were no casualties. The first squadron of planes flew directly over the American Embassy premises and the American gunboat and one bomb fell on open ground about 300 yards from the Embassy.
A preliminary investigation indicates that American nationals and their properties escaped injury during the raids.
Repeated to Peiping, Shanghai, Hankow. Shanghai please mail to Tokyo.