Monday, 10 July

Fine, sun

This morning Pravda published the content of the open letter to the people by Chairman Chiang on 7 July, saying that there were three major issues for the European war. The first was the collapse of Italy, the incessant victory of the Soviet Union the second, and finally the invasion of the Allied Army into the European continent. These three things are complementary. It also said that the best turning point in the European war has been the brave struggle of the Soviet Union, and in the past year, the glorious war records of the Red Army will become the most colourful page in the history of this world war. It also said that the final decisive battle in the European war will come soon. With regard to the Pacific War, it affirmed the victory scored by the Allied Army. With regard to Chinese warfare, it said that the Chinese army has already prepared an attack to the West of Hunan. Because the time that the Japanese will begin an offensive in China is near they have relocated their armies to the two war zones at Hupei and Hunan, with an attempt to stop the Chinese offensive. In these battles, the aims of Japan are as follows.1) To strike the Chinese main forces. 2) To eliminate the air force bases along the Guangdong-Hankow and Hunan-Jiangsi Railways, so as to minimise the threat from the air force to its Proper. 3) To break through the transportation on the Guangdong-Hankow and Hunan-Jiangsi Railways, and make it the back road for evacuate the Japanese army in the area around Nanyang. It said that these three aims they are unable to accomplish, and there is a possibility that we might have a partial retreat, but he could guarantee we will not face any danger of military threat. It concluded that he believed our compatriots will strive hard and fight for the final victory. One can see that the Soviet Union published to reflect its friendliness towards our country and the Chairman. I immediately sent telegrams to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chairman. With regard to the telegram from the Chairman enquiring about the news of a Japanese economic group coming to the Soviet Union, I also replied in the telegram that I have checked with both the Soviet Union and the Diplomatic Corps and they all said that there was no such thing.

The American navy has completely occupied Saipan Island, and from now on Japan Proper will come under the direct threat of the American air force.