[54]
From: Tokyo To: Manila 1 August 1941 (Purple) #245 (or 246) (?)
Please inform us regarding the camouflage and distinguishing marks of the American naval and military aeroplanes in Manila.
20983 JD-1: 4506 (H) Navy Trans. 8-13-41 (6-AR)
From: Manila (Nihro) To: Tokyo August 2, 1941 Purple #474
1 Anchored warships-Dfionomi. [a]
2 There is (are) anchored Danish ship(s) _ _ _ _ _ _ garbled _ _ _ _ _ _ loading at Webu [a] (Ebu ?) will leave for America. In addition two ships touched port on the 1st and 2nd from Orongabo. [a]
3. Harrison and Coolidge entered port on the 31st and 1st respectively.
20513 ARMY Trans. 8/5/41 (6) [a] Kana spelling.
[55]
From: Manila (Nihro) To: Tokyo August 2, 1941 Purple #476
Re your #245. [a]
In observing planes on practice flights, I notice that the color of military and naval planes has not been changed and that they are not camouflaged. However, I have heard that among the naval planes there are those which have been observed to be painted a light green.
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Though I am making additional secret investigations, that is all for the time being.
Furthermore, in recent times, the number of planes flying above the city has decreased considerably.
ARMY 20641 Trans. 8/7/41 (6) [a] Not available.
[56]
From: Manila (Nihro) To: Tokyo August 4, 1941 Purple #480
Intelligence of primary order.
1. Two destroyers sailed on the fourth. All the war ships at anchor have sailed. There are, however, several small destroyers in the neighborhood of Corregidor [a]. (This was observed by the crews of the Koden Maru and the Kaisoku Maru.)
2. About six-hundred American soldiers have arrived in Manila on the Coolidge. (This was learned from the crew of the Coolidge.)
ARMY 20634 Trans. 8/7/41 (6) [a] An island in Cavite Province at the entrance of Manila Bay.
[57]
From: Manila (Nihro) To: Tokyo August 12, 1941 Purple #507
Re: Your #254. [a]
(1) At the time a non-commissioned officer of the American Navy told me confidentially that the ship mentioned in my #414 [a] (8?) [a] was the Warspite and I took this to be reliable information. This British ship, however, had its name painted over. Some spies who viewed the ship when it docked report that it was something like a 7,000-ton vessel. It was further reported that this ship moored at Cavite pier on the --th. Now, considering the shallowness of the water there, I do not see how it could have been the Warspite. (When the Cincinnati approaches that dock, it gradually lets out water ballast.) Judging from its shape, I would say that it was a light cruiser of the Leander class. (According to another report it was an 8,000-ton craft. This seems rather accurate.) (2) Among the members of the crew who came on shore there were some with such names as YORK. GEORGE, etc., on their hatbands and we also have a spy report to the effect that some forty-eight soldiers wounded in the Mediterranean were being accommodated. (3) I know nothing of the movement of this ship after my #451. [b]
Lately no British ships save this has entered port here (that is side from the Taggubwno (?) mentioned in my #494. [a]
ARMY 21094 Trans. 8/16/41 (6) [a] Not available. [b] (SIS #20468) British cruiser which was anchored at Cavite for several days departed for - - - - - - on the 27th.
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[58]
From: Manila To: Tokyo August 20, 1941 Purple #532
Re your Circular #1793 [a].
I am reporting to you below information which I have been able to get, though it may be somewhat incoherent.
1. There are many tall buildings in the city, to the upper stories of which admittance is forbidden. It is thought, therefore, that antiaircraft guns have been placed in them. It is fairly certain that guns have been placed on the Great Eastern Hotel (some have actually seen ten disguised machine guns on the top of it,) the (hitchcock?) Avenue Hotel (this is the former Marco Polo Hotel), and on the Insular Life and the Trading Commerce. Besides these, I presume guns have been placed on top of the Capitol, the Municipal Building, the post office, etc. (I believe that the army and the navy both have in their possession a map giving the locations of the tall buildings in the city.).
2. A person has seen during the evenings in the latter part of July, 36 anti-aircraft guns being transported to Camp Murphy.
ARMY 21461 Trans. 8/26/41 (6) [a] Not available.
[59]
From: Manila To: Tokyo August 20, 1941 Purple #533 (Report of Primary Importance)
Last March work was begun on the reparation of the airplane base south of Darurakku [a] on the way to San Miguel. For a time, however, the work was stopped. Lately it seems that the undertaking has been resumed.
Eye witnesses say that they are using about 300 employees and are hurrying the work along. I understand that at present the gliding ground is being prepared.
ARMY 21563 Trans. 8/28/41 (6) [a] Kana spelling.
[60]
From: Davao (Kihara) To: Tokyo August 22, 1941 J-19 #104 (Intelligence of Primary Importance)
Because too much time would be required to fill in the paddy fields as originally planned in the construction of a new air base, it is rumored that these plans have been changed. Construction is to begin on an air base which will be laid down between the sea and the paddy fields where now stands a cocoanut grove. In order that bombing planes can use this air field, four concrete runways are to be constructed. It is understood that some 2,500 recruits from among the local populace will be used in this construction enterprise. Four
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or five hundred wheelbarrows which will be used in this construction work have already been unloaded onto the pier. When I last visited this area and made an investigation of the land they planned to use, it seemed to me that they would have to use more than three feet of dirt to fill in these paddy fields. A great deal of work will be entailed, I observe, in the cutting down and removal of the cocoanut trees in the grove.
ARMY 24063 Trans. 10/28/41 (6)
[61]
From: Davao (Kihara) To: Tokyo August 22, 1941 J-19 #107
1. During the middle of July a number of American destroyers entered the harbor of Jolo. We have intelligence to the effect that they came to this port from Hawaii, but we have no evidence to substantiate it.
2. During the last ten days of July, 6 American destroyers entered the ports of Jolo, [a] Kabunko [b] and Kanbin. [b] (Please refer to part 3 of my #32. [c]) While in the area of these three ports, they engaged in target practice with live ammunition.
3. During the middle of August, one large airplane capable of carrying 26 persons landed on the water in the vicinity of Jolo and was tied up there for a number of hours.
4. It is understood that there are approximately 2,000 drums of airplane gasoline stores within the military establishment at Jolo.
Furthermore, reports on the movements of war vessels in and out of the port of Jolo are prone to be delayed because of the existing conditions. Do you want me to send this sort of delayed information by urgent wire? Please wire.
ARMY 23958 Trans. 10-24-41 (6) [a] Town on the island of the same name, one of the southernmost islands of the Philippine Island group. [b] Kana spelling. [c] Not available.
[62]
From: Manila (Nihro) To: Tokyo 23 August 1941 (Purple) #543 1. Ships in port on the 23rd. A. Manila. Transports 6. HON PISU (Arrived the morning of the 23rd). B. Cavite. Destroyers 1. (Arrived from Manila on the 21st). Transports GORUDOSTNA (entered port about a month ago and is now under repairs.)
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2. The oiler TORINIRCIC left harbor on the 22nd headed for Tarakan in order to take on oil.
3. Recently several destroyers and submarines have been stationed in the vicinity of Mariveles. We are investigating the number stationed at present.
4. Brig. General Cragette arrived here on the 20th apparently on the Dutch ship TIBADAEKY and had a conference with MacArthur on the 21st.
5. According to newspaper reports the CHANTO (formerly the Hilda Maersk) arrived here the 20th after having been repaired at Olongapo and her sister ship the KABARUNDO (formerly the Gertrude Maersk) is at present being repaired there. Hence the floating drydock must have been there formerly, however we will continue investigations.
6. On the 16th a ship which appeared to be the MADDO and two destroyers arrived in Cebu and all left that same night.
21518 JD-1: 4810 (H) Navy Trans. 8-27-41 (6-AR)
[63]
From: Manila (Nihro) To: Tokyo August 26, 1941 Purple #554
Four "S" [a] boats on the 24th and "REI" on the 25th entered the harbor.
ARMY 21611 Trans. 8/29/41 (6) [a] Submarine.
[64]
From: Manila To: Tokyo August 30, 1941 Purple #559 (Primary Intelligence)
1. Warships at anchor in this harbor on the 30th:
(1) In Manila, 3 destroyers of the Bell class; 6 submarines (submarines left port on the 27th but have returned). Furthermore, the tanker Trinity came to this port on the 27th and dropped anchor here (please refer to Part 2 of my #543 [a]).
(2) One destroyer (undergoing repairs) Gorudosu.
2. A large portion of the submarines, according to intelligences which have come to me, are now in the Ringaen [b] area.
3. 500 American soldiers arrived here on the Cleveland the 29th. Furthermore, on the same day the Migsk entered this harbor. (Though details of this ship could not be ascertained, it is understood that she is loaded to capacity with military equipment.
ARMY 21666 Trans. 9/2/41 (6) [a] S.I.S. #21518 regarding boats in harbor at Manila. [b] Lingayen on the west coast of the Island of Luzon.
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[65]
From: Tokyo (Toyoda) To: Manila August 30, 1941 J-19 #277
According to intelligences obtained by naval authorities, the Houston was observed on the 20th or there about to pass through the harbor entrance but since that time they have not been able to learn where it went. Please investigate the waters in and around Manila for some trace of this warship and then make your report.
ARMY 24527 Trans. 11/8/41 (6)
From: Manila (Nibro) To: Tokyo 1 September 1941 (Purple) #562 (?)
The Marblehead returned to port on the 31st. Two destroyers left port on the 1st.
22349 JD-1: 5198 (H) Navy Trans. 9-16-41 (AR)
[66]
From: Tokyo To: Manila 1 September 1941 (Purple) #279 (?)
Strictly confidential.
In regard to the points you were to note, from now on in case there is no special change, report once a week, but report each change of the following as they occur:
1. Arrival and departure of Houston.
2. Arrival and departure of more than 5 or 6 destroyers or submarines.
3. Arrival and departure of naval ships other than American; (report in detail the particulars and relationships involved).
22081 JD 1: 5037 (H) Navy Trans. 9-11-41 (6-AR)
[67]
From: Manila (Nihro) To: Tokyo September 8, 1941 (Purple) #590
On the 7th, the Houston and two destroyers entered port.
ARMY 22061 Trans. 9/11/41 (6)
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From: Manila (Nihro) To: Tokyo 11 September 1941 (Purple) #595
The Houston, which we reported having entered on the 7th, has been alongside the pier loading fuel and stores until today when it left for unknown destination accompanied by two submarines and two destroyers.
22254 JD-1: 5153 (M) Navy Trans. 9-15-41 (5-AR)
From: Manila To: Tokyo 13 September 1941 (Purple) #601 1. Ships in port on the 13th: BUKKU (Black Hawk?) 2 destroyers. BERU 1 submarine 2. On the 13th an American cruiser of the Brooklyn class entered port and is taking on supplies. It is said to have come from Hawaii. I am investigating names of ships and other details but am sending this much on for the present. 22422 JD-1: 6263 (H) Navy Trans. 9-17-41 (6 AR)
[68]
From: Manila To: Tokyo 15 September 1941 (Purple) #604
Re my #601*.
According to secret information received it is the St. Louis, with three other vessels (names unknown) said to be starting for Singapore. It was observed that waves of about 24 or 25 knots are painted on the bows. At present explosives are being lowered (red flags being hoisted).
JD-1: 5271 (F) Navy Trans. 9-18-41 (6-AR) *JD-1: 5263 (SIS #22422).
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From: Manila (Nihro) To: Tokyo September 16, 1941 Purple #605
Re my #604 [a].
They left the harbor early on the 16th loaded with food supplies. On the stern three sea planes (single wing) were observed. Designation is as stated in my previous message. It is also reported that they (arrived here ?) by way of Australia but whether this is true or not I don't know.
ARMY 22693 Trans. 9/25/41 (6) [a] S.I.S. #22430. I have secret information that the St. Louis and three other ships are leaving for Singapore and that they apparently have ammunition on board.
[69]
From: Manila (Nihro) To: Tokyo September 18, 1941 Purple #613
On the afternoon of the 17th, the Phoenix came in port and is now being refueled at the pier.
It is reported two more ships of the same type will soon arrive.
ARMY 22497 Trans. 9/20/41 (6)
From: Manila (Nihro) To: Tokyo September 20, 1941 Purple #618
The boats anchored here, the 26th, are:
Phoenix,
Bukko [a]
[Section of blanks apparently representing about 15 code groups, LWJ] a chartered boat (12,000 to 13,000 tons, number of crew unknown) carrying (?) approximately 200 sailors.
The Pitasu [a] (Peters ?), which entered the harbor on the 18th, is reported to have carried 500 soldiers.
ARMY 22772 Trans. 9-27-41 (6) [a] Kana spelling.
[70]
From: Manila (Nihro) To: Tokyo September 22, 1941 Purple #623
Re my message #618. [a]
The Phoenix left port the morning of the 22nd.
ARMY 22771 Trans. 9/27/41 (6) [a] See S.I.S. #22772.
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From: Davao (Kihara) To: Tokyo September 26, 1941 J-19 #135
Upon my arrival to take up my post here, I heard the following report concerning Zamboanga: [a]
Since last August American destroyer tenders, destroyers and submarines enter that port from the South Seas every Saturday. After they have lain at anchor for one or two days they leave again for the South. In summing up the statements of members of the crews of these boats, it appears that these warships ply the waters from Jolo [b] to Tawao [c] and Tarakan [d] on the island of Borneo.
24468 Trans. 11/7/41 (6) [a] A city on the island of Mindanao. [b] Name of the island connecting the main Philippine group to Borneo. [c] Town in British North Borneo. [d] In Netherlands Borneo.
[71]
From: Tokyo To: Davao October 2, 1941 J-19 #62
Re your #105. [a]
Please wire me the location and movements of fishermen and - - - - - since your last report.
ARMY 25697 Trans. 12-4-11 (6) [a] Not available.
From: Tokyo (Toyoda) To: Manila October 4, 1941 Purple #318
I want you to make a reconnaissance of the new defense works along the east, west and southern coasts of the Island of Luzon, reporting on their progress, strength, etc. Also please investigate anything else which may seems of interest.
ARMY 23207 Trans. 10/8/41 (6)
[72]
From: Manila (Nihro) To: Tokyo October 14, 1941 Purple (Primary Intelligence) #685
On the afternoon of the 13th the Houston, the Marblehead, the Hoh, [a] five destroyers, and two mine layers left port. Their destination is unknown.
The following ships are tied up in this harbor at the present time: The Black Hawk, the Pas, [a] four destroyers, 10 submarines (the sub-
[a] Kana spelling.
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marines are of Classes 170 and 190), and the Gold Star (all of the above-mentioned submarines are tied up on either side of the Gold Star and are taking on supplies).
ARMY 23755 Trans. 10/21/41 (6)
[73]
From: Manila To: Tokyo. 17 October 1941 (Purple) #691
Reports of reliability A.
On the afternoon of the 17th the
TON MADDO HON 4 destroyers 5 submarines (140 class) BERU 1 minelayer and oiler TRINITY
entered harbor.
In addition to the above ships in port at present on the 18th are as follows:
A. Manila. The same as my #685* B. Cavite. REI 2 minelayers - - - - - - (4 groups missing).
3. Large scale barracks are being constructed at NUEBA ESIHA between Cabanatuan and Laur (about 131 kilometers from Manila).
4. It is said that mechanized maneuvers are being carried out between Laur and Aguilla.
23856 JD-1: 6004 (H) Navy Trans. 10-22-41 (6-AR) *JD-1: 5952 (SIS #23755).
[74]
From: Manila (Nihro) To: Tokyo October 20, 1941 Purple #693
Primary intelligence. The Houston, the Marblehead, eight destroyers, ten submarines (of the 170 and 190 class) and one mine layer left port on the morning of the 20th. Their destination is unknown.
ARMY 23906 Trans. 10/24/41 (6)
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From: Davao (Kihara) To: Tokyo 21 October 1941 (J 19) #156
Regarding my #124*.
As an air base for central Mindanao district, 300 men are being managed by Americans, and the ground is now being leveled.
An under ground hangar and under ground oil tanks are planned; however, the material for this is delayed so that building on this is not progressing as planned.
Already several times a week planes are flying here, and it seems they are expecting large heavy bomber planes too, very soon.
25580 JD-1: 6945 (Y) Navy Trans. 12-1-41 (6) *Not available.
[75]
From: Manila To: Tokyo October 24, 1941 Purple #707
1. Two destroyers, the Ton [a] and the Maddo, [a] two submarines, and one mine layer touched port on the afternoon of the 23rd.
2. The President Cleveland, which entered the port on the after noon of the 23rd, landed American soldiers (an unconfirmed report is that there were 2,500).
3. The Chester, a Class A Cruizer no doubt convoying the Cleveland, also entered the port on the afternoon of the 23rd.
4. Referring to my #661 [b] and #685 [c] the Gold Star was a mistake for the Ohotos [a] (or Ohotou [a]) (estimated to be a 10,000 ton ship formerly Norwegian and remodeled after the war).
Army 23980 Trans. 10/27/41 (S) [a] Kana spelling. [b] Not available. [c] See S.I.S. #23755. Manila wires Tokyo the ships that are laid up in the harbor the present time and the ones that left port on the afternoon of the 13th.
[76]
From: Manila (Nihro) To: Tokyo. 25 October 1941 (Purple) #711
1. The REI* and one destroyer left during the morning of the 25th. Destination is not known.
2. Ships in port are the following:
a. Manila. TON* MADDO* CHESTER BUKKU* BERU*
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ROYGXOMU (?) HON* 5 destroyers 11 large submarines 5 small submarines b. Cavite. PASU* (under repair) 2 destroyers
3. There are indications that all of the vessels are to be repainted into an ash color (almost a grey). the TON* and one destroyer have already been repainted.
JD-1: 24182 (D) Navy Trans. 10-29-41 (6-AR) *Possible equivalents for these abbreviations are: REI-Langley TON-Houston MADDO-Marblehead BUKKU-Black Hawk BERU-Isabel HON-Heron PASU-Canopus
[77]
From: Manila (Nihro) To: Tokyo 27 October 1941 (Purple) #713
1. The PISU entered Cavite on the 26th and the REI entered on the morning of the 27th.
2. On the morning of the 27th, 3 destroyers, 11 submarines of the N type, the HON and 2 minelayers left port, destination unknown.
JD-1: 6214 24284 (H) Navy Trans. 11-3-41 (6-AR)
From: Manila
To: Tokyo
29 October 1941
(Purple)
#719?
The TON* and the MADDO** sailed on the afternoon of the 28th and the Chester on the morning of the 29th. Destination unknown.
JD-1: 6712 25164 (H) Navy Trans. 11-24-41 (5-AR) *Houston? **Marblehead?
From: Manila (Nihro) To: Tokyo 1 November 1941 (Purple) #722
1. The TON*, MADDO*, HON*, 7 destroyers, 8 submarines and 3 minesweepers entered port on the 31st. But the TON* left again on the morning of the 1st destination unknown.
2. On the morning of the 1st the President Cleveland and the President Madison left port loaded with American soldiers whose time was up, (number uncertain).
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3. According to reports received from [78] what we believe are reliable sources the number of American military and naval planes in the Philippine Islands is as follows:
(a) Military planes. Large bombers, 29. Scout planes, 324. The same, B type, 62. Fighters, 317. The same, B type, 131. Pursuit planes, 302. The same, D type, 69. Training planes, 49. Total 1,283. (b) Naval planes. Large flying boats, 26.
4. Ships in port on the 1st: MADDO,* BUKKU,* PISU,* HON,* BERU,* 9 destroyers, 3 submarines, WOHOTOSU, 3 minelayers. In Cavite: REI,* PASU,* 2 Z.
5. According to a report from the De La Rama steamship company two of their ships, the Dona Estaban (1,616 tons), and the MUDBUKARU (191 tons), had been requisitioned by the local American Army.
JD-1: 6335 (H) Navy Trans. 11-8-41 (6-AR) 24533 *Possible equivalents for these abbreviations are TON (Houston): MADDO (Marblehead; HON (Heron); BUKKU (Black Hawk); PISU (Canopus); BERU (Isabel); REI (Langley); PASU (Canopus).
[79]
From: Manila (Nihro) To: Tokyo 1 November 1941 (Purple) #723
(RE your #318) *
Strict guard is being maintained hence the gathering of information is extremely difficult. We are making secret investigations but I will wire you the following newspaper and foreign office reports for the present.
1. The incorporation of the Philippine Army into the Far Eastern Army is progressing slowly but surely and it is reported that by the end of the year the incorporation of 120,000 will be completed. Additions to the barracks at the various camps are being rushed to-completion. It seems that particular emphasis is being placed on the concentration of military strength.
Localities are as follows: Kabanatuan, San Marcelino - - - - - (several groups missing).
Furthermore there is to be a great increase in the number of soldiers stationed in the vicinity Lingayen during the month of November. Army maneuvers are to be carried out during the middle of the month. This may be a temporary measure.
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2. In the vicinity of Mariveles more than 3000 workmen are being used to rush the work on the various projects. However, there are not more than 300 infantry and cavalry troops stationed there.
On the 27th, what I estimated to be between 2000 and 3000 infantry troops left Manila by bus headed north. Their destination may have been the above place. It is being investigated at present. It appears that three airports are being built there and the docks are being enlarged.
In the Batuan area the surveillance is particularly strict and it is said that even the entry of Filipinos is prohibited.
3. Work is being rushed on the road between Dingalan and RAARU (Laur?) and by the middle of October there were less than two kilometers that had not been completed [80] and this will be finished in the near future. The road between Infanta and Manila is being widened to 5 meters. Work is being carried on day and night and the progress is amazing.
4. In Iba there are 30 or 40 fighter planes, 20 or 30 light bombers and several score of altitude planes (?) it is said.
Details by Mail.
JD-1: 6270 24382 (H) Navy Trans. 11-4-11 (S-TT) *JD-1: 5681. "I want you to make a reconnaissance of the new defense works along the east, west and southern coasts of the island of Luzon, reporting their progress, strength, etc. Also please investigate anything else which may seem of interest." (SIS #23207)
From: Manila, (Nihro) To: Tokyo November 4, 1941 Purple #726
PISU, HON, BERU D-8, S-13 and M-3 left on the afternoon of the 3rd, destination unknown - - - - and D-1 are now in Haku (Brazil?).
ARMY 24691 Trans. 11/13/41 (6)
[81]
From: Manila (Nihro) To: Tokyo November 4, 1941 Purple #727
Intelligence.
1. Since about a month ago little by little brown soldiers have been arriving at the Stotsenburg Barracks. The number at present is about two or three thousand. In view of the fact that these soldiers speak Spanish, they may be "Iko's." I understand that they are not very friendly with American soldiers. We are now secretly investigating where they have come from.
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2. Taraiao. [a] Recently the Miguel Air Field has been extended to form a rectangle about 1,000 meters long.
3. All the wooden bridges on the national highway between Taraiao and Lingayen [b] have been replaced with concrete bridges.
4. At the foot of a hill situated to the north of Teraiao (the hill overlooks the Lingayen Gulf) about 200 barracks have been constructed. I understand that new barracks are being built at Ste Ignatia.
5. From what I hear the American soldiers stationed at Stotsenburg maintained an arrogant attitude toward the Filipinos and, since there have been two or three cases of assault on Filipinas, the Filipinos are furious.
ARMY 24626 Trans. 11/12/41 (6) [a] Tarallo, Camarines Province. [b] Pangasinan Province, Luzon, Philippine Islands on Lingayen Gulf.
[82]
From: Tokyo To: Manila 5 November 1941 (Purple) #355
For Secretary Yuki.
The Naval General Staff has requested that investigation be made on the following items. Please arrange as you think best for the same:
These items in regard to each port of call:
(1) Conditions at air ports on land.
(2) Types of planes at each, and number of planes.
(3) Warships; also machinery belonging to land forces.
(4) State of progress being made on all equipment and establishments.
JD-1: 6424 (F) Navy Trans. 11-13-41 (6-AR) 24696
[83]
From: Manila (Nihro) To: Tokyo November 6, 1941 Purple #735
Of first importance. Re my #743 [a].
The following information has been pieced together from two intelligence reports.
1. 50 American officials and 1200 Philippine soldiers are stationed at Bugallon in Pangasinan b province. There are also 8 light tanks and 8 aircraft guns (with fixed mounts). There is a number of American artillery men stationed in the Yashiyama (literally-Coconut(?) mountain) between Sual [c] and Lingayen [c].
2. There are 10 two-motored light bombers, 190 Curtis fighting planes (up to now intelligence reports have given the number to be 60 but recently reenforcements were received) and 400 American air force officers stationed at Iba in Zambales [d] province. A division of Philippine soldiers (15,000) are stationed at San Marcelino. This division is composed of 3 infantry regiments, 3 field artillery companies and 3
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self-propelled armored artillery companies and it is expected that a reenforcement of a large number of tanks will soon be received. They have recently started the construction of a new air field there.
Furthermore, 320 Philippine soldiers are stationed at Botolan.
3. They are now constructing barracks at three points (out 4 kilometers, (less than 10) kilometers and 22 kilometers) on the [84] road from Tarlac to Santa Ignacia in Tarlac province which will accommodate 500, 1000, 1500 soldiers respectively, a total of 3,000. Also construction is being started on a new air field 5 kilometers south of Tarlac (a five year plan) apparently a part of the leveling has already been finished. A military road from Capas through O'Donnell to Botolan in Zambales province is almost completed. (Upon several occasions lately troop camouflaging was observed.)
4. Recently 200 light tanks were (landed?) at Stotsenburg in Pampanga. [e]
ARMY 24813 Trans. 11/15/41 (6) [a] Not available. [b] Province north of Manila beyond Tarlac province. [c] Pangasinan Province. [d] On the western side of the peninsula across the bay from Manila. [e] On the northwest shore of Manila Bay between Tarlac and Bataan Province.
[85]
From: Manila To: Tokyo November 8, 1941 Purple #738
Re your #353. [a]
Retransmitting that portion of the message following Raichaku.
#732. Re my #723. [b]
1. Since the last part of last month a reinforcement of 4 or 5 thousand soldiers has been received in the province of Bataan. [c] They were stationed along the coast and in the central mountain districts at Saysain, [d] Cobcaben, Lamao, Limay, etc.
2. An excellent military highway has been constructed between Lamao and Mariveres (154 kilometers to 157 kilometers from Manila) along the coasts and in the interior. Sentries are posted at the entrance prohibiting the, passage of civilians, Philippine military and others not possessing special permits ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- (powerful?) guns and many defenses seem to have been put in. Although the road between Bagac and Balanga has already been converted into a military highway, construction of a military road connecting Moron and Olongapa has been suspended. I believe that commercial connections between these places have been by boat for a long time.
(Message incomplete). [e]
ARMY 24744 Trans. 11/14/41 (S) [a] Not available. [b] See S.I.S. #24382 in which Manila wires a report on the defence activities in the Philippine Islands gathered from newspapers and foreign office reports. [c] Philippine province across the bay from Manila. [d] All places mentioned in this message are in Bataan province. [e] The last part of the message was not retransmitted.
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[86]
From: Manila (Nihro) To: Tokyo November 8, 1941 Purple #742
The warships at anchor in the harbor on the 8th are as follows: The Marblehead, the Black Hawk, eight destroyers, nine submarines, the Heron, the Wohotosu, [a] the Isobel, and the tanker Trinity (the latter arrived on the 8th).
ARMY 24745 Trans. 11/14/41 (6) [a] Kana spelling.
From: Manila (Nihro) To: Tokyo November 10, 1941 Purple #745
1. The Houston touched port at Cavite on the 8th.
2. Four destroyers left port on the 10th. Destination unknown.
3. Two cargo boats (former president boats of the 10,000 ton class with the names painted over) entered port on the 9th, landing 2,300 soldiers.
ARMY 24755 Trans. 11/14/41 (6)
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From: Manila (Nihro) To: Tokyo November 10, 1941 Purple #746
Re my #722, [a] first part of part 3-the number of large attack planes, latest models, 4-motored B-19's, is 32.
Re my #727, [b] the black soldiers are American negroes.
ARMY 24850 Trans. 11/17/41 (6) [a] See S.I.S. #24533; in which Manila informs Tokyo in regard to the number of American military and naval planes in the Philippine Islands. [b] See S.I.S. #24626; in which Manila reports on defense activities in the Philippines, saying they are secretly investigating where the 2 or 3,000 brown soldiers arriving at the Stotsenburg Barracks have come from.
From: Manila (Nihro) To: Tokyo November 12, 1941 Purple #753
On the morning of the 12th, an American cruiser of the Chester class entered port. She is now tied up at dock #7 and is taking on -----. It is thought likely that this vessel accompanied one of the President line ships into port. This vessel preceded the cruiser into port.
ARMY 24923 Trans. 11/18/41 (6)
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From: Manila (Nihro) To: Tokyo November 12, 1941 Purple #754
According: to a report handed on to me by a Japanese who has lived in the Province of Ilocos Norte for some fourteen or fifteen years? the following has been ascertained.
1. At the present time there are approximately 400 Philippine soldiers and seven or eight officers stationed in Laoag. [a] It is being rumored, however, that the Philippine troops will be increased to approximately 1,700. At the present time they are constructing additional barracks.
2. There seems to be no indication that they plan the expansion of the present civil airport in Laoag (length, 1,200 metres; width, 850 metres) nor are they stationing any military planes at that field. Aside from a reconnaissance flight nightly (one plane) over the coastal area in the vicinity of the city, no extensive activity is in progress.
3. Though it is said that Claveria [b] and Burgos [b] are being equipped with ----- -----, the details are unknown. (I am continuing my private investigations in this connection.)
ARMY 25064 Trans. 11/21/41 (6) [a] Seaport in the Province of Ilocos Norte on the Island of Luzon, P. I. [b] Towns on the northern shore of the Island of Luzon, P. I.
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From: Manila (Nihro) To: Tokyo November 12, 1941 Purple #755
A report given me by a Japanese who resides in Camarines Norte [a] is follows:
1. In that area at the present time there does not seem to be many troops stationed. Only about 60 members of the Philippine Patrol organization, with headquarters in Daet, [b] are located in that area. Every day five or six of these patrolmen are dispatched as a relief unit to Paracale [c] and Jose Pangalliban. [d]
2. The Civil Airport at Paracale is not being used at the present time. Insofar as the military air field at Daet is concerned, though one or two military planes landed there during February of this year, from that time to this there has not been a single military mane alight on this field. As this field is located right on the beach, should it be necessary it is said that naval planes could land in the shipping lane just off the beach as well.
3. On the point of land, San Muricio, [e] north of Jose Panganiban it is rumored that they are equipping ----- with, ----- but this has not been verified. (I am continuing my secret investigations.)
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4. Twelve or thirteen coastal reconnaissance planes were seen to have flown over the area within a period of three days. Toward the latter part of last year 13 American freighters are said to have entered the port of Panganiban. Since then almost on the average of once a week, American freighters sail from Batganas [f] to Hondagua. [g]
ARMY 25162 Trans. 11/24/41 (6)
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[a] Province near southeastern extremity of Luzon. [b] City on southeastern extremity of the Island of Luzon. [c] Seaport in the province of Camarines Norte. [d] English spelling. Cannot identify. [e] English spelling. Point of land cannot be identified. [f] Seaport in southwestern Luzon. [g] Seaport on Lopez Bay off Lamon Bay.
From: Manila To: Tokyo 18 November 1941 (Purple) #757
1. The CA heavy cruiser of my #753* was the Portland.
2. On the morning of the 13th a British destroyer of the Defender type entered port.
3. It has been ascertained that 8 (or 4?) of the nine submarines of my #742* are of the 129 class. They have entered port here recently but the exact date is uncertain.
JD-1: 6503 24780 (H) Navy Trans. 11-13-41 (S-22) *Not available.
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From: Tokyo To: Manila 15 November 1941 (Purple) #368
Strictly confidential.
Re your #746*.
Please ascertain by what route the large bombers went to the Philippines, and also please make investigations again as to their number.
JD-1: 6753 25236 (H) Navy Trans. 11-24-41 (AR) *JD-1: 6545 (SIS #24850). Reports 32 B-19 bombers in the Philippines.
From: Manila (Nihro) To: Tokyo 15 November 1941 (Purple) #767
1. It has been ascertained that the ship of my #757*, paragraph 2, was a British transport, the AWATEA which entered port at the same time under convoy, (12000 or 13000 tons, 700 or 800 soldiers on board). Both ships sailed again on the evening of the 14th, destination unknown.
2. On the afternoon of the 14th, 4 destroyers, 11 submarines, 1 minelayer, entered port.
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3. Ships in port on the 15th:
A. Manila: MADDO Portland BUKKU BERU BERU** HON WOHOTOSU 8 destroyers 20 submarines 1 minelayer
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B. Cavite: TON PASU JD-1:6754 25237 (H) Navy Trans. 11-25-41 (AR) *JD-1: 6503 (SIS #24780). Re movements of U. B. Naval and British Naval craft in Manila area **BERU repeated.
From: Manila To: Tokyo 15 November 1941 (Purple) #767
We are retransmitting our machine telegram of the 14th with indicator 97720 because of a mistake on the plug board, as follows:
The following is from a report of a Japanese resident in Cebu.
1. At present there are about 300 American and 2,500 Filipino soldiers stationed there. (There are four barracks each with a capacity of about 500 or 600 soldiers.
2. The airport has an area of about 196 acres but is being enlarged (by use of convict labor). About 12 planes (of medium size) used by the Philippine Army, have been transported to Java by air, and 12 or 13 American Army planes, (monoplanes-whether they were scout planes or pursuit planes was not clear), are now stationed there. In addition to these there is one large bomber in the hangar (double type, capacity 40 planes).
3. The headquarters of the former patrol force are being used as the commisariate storehouse and all sorts of provisions are being stored there.
4. On the 22nd of September, about 20 American warships anchored on the northwest coast of the Sulu Archipelago. Around the middle of October two destroyers and one cruiser entered Cebu harbor and early this month, one oil supply ship of the 20,000 ton class, and a camouflaged cruiser of the 10,000 ton class, entered port and anchored for two or three days. It has been recognized that occasionally two or three American ships anchor around the south of Mactan, Bacol, and Panglao.
5. There is an open drydock at MAKUGAA (operated by Chinese) capable of handling ships up to 10,000 tons.
JD-1: 6587 24983 (H) Navy Trans. 11-18-41 (S-TT)
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From: Manila (Nihro) To: Tokyo 17 November 1941 (Purple) #769
On the morning of the 17th the
MADDO* Portland J** 10 ships M*** 1 ship
left port. Destination unknown.
JD-1: 6761 25244 (H) Navy Trans. 11-24-41 (AR) *Marblehead? **May be garble for "D"-destroyer. ***Minelayer.
From: Tokyo (Togo) To: Manila November 20, 1941 Purple #372 (Strictly Secret)
Please advise immediately the results of your investigations as to the type of drift ----- presumed to be in the waters adjacent to Subic Bay [a].
Furthermore, please transmit these details to the Asama Maru as well as to Tokyo.
ARMY 25314 Trans. 11-26-41 (6) [a] Near Manila, P. I.
[94]
From: Manila (Nihro) To: Tokyo November 22, 1941 Purple #785
1. A camouflaged British cruiser (guessed to be 4 or 5 thousand tons; having 8 guns; name unknown) entered port on the morning of the 21st and anchored at Pier #7, sailing at 5 in the afternoon, destination unknown.
On the 21st an American transport (rumored to be the President Harrison) entered port and took on soldiers (number unknown) and materiel.
2. Boats anchored in port on the 22nd were :
Manila-Portland (entered the port on the 21st); Marblehead; Black Hawk; Isobel; Heron; Wohotosu [a]; Pisu [a]; one mine layer; 9 destroyers; 20 submarines.
Cavite-Houston (?); Canopus.
ARMY 25471 Trans. 11/29/41 (6) [a] Kana gelling.
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From: Manila (Nihro) To: Tokyo November 24, 1941 Purple #789
1. Putting together various reports, it appears that a large amount of military stores was removed from the "port area" during the "blackout" on the night of the 21st. Forty or fifty civilian buses (carrying the "mark" of the Manila Electric Company) were seen in the Rizal Province district. Investigations are being made to find out if these were loaded with troops.
2. At about two o'clock in the afternoon of the 22nd, 60 light tanks (carrying one gun, two -----) and 20 ammunition trucks were seen leaving (Quezon Bridge ?). These light tanks and ammunition trucks were seen on the 21st grouped near the headquarters of the "port area" military police. It is conjectured that (troops ?) arrived on military boats recently entering the harbor. An English language "bulletin" of the 24th stated that a large number of light tanks and ammunition trucks had left at four and six o'clock on the afternoon of the 22nd in transit for Meycuayan in Bulacan Province and San Fernando in Pampanga Province. I believe that these had been landed sometime around the 21st. The final destination of these tanks and trucks is now being investigated.
3. At present it is seen that there are two or three hundred American army trucks near the "port area" which have been imported at short intervals, creating a hurried atmosphere. Also, troops have newly arrived at (certain places in ?) the hills within the city. They are evidently American reinforcements. Feeling among the people in general has become tense.
ARMY 25530 Trans. 12/1/41 (6)
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From: Manila (Nihro) To: Tokyo 25 November 1941 (Purple) #790
1. On the 23rd a camouflaged submarinetender, the Holland* (5 or 6 thousand tons, apparently a camouflaged Dutch vessel), entered port.
2. On the 24th, 5 submarines left port, destination unknown.
3. On the 25th, 7 destroyers left port, destination unknown.
JD-1: 7035 25708 (H) Navy Trans. 12-4-11 (6-AR) *Probably the U. S. S. HOLLAND (of 8000 tons).
From: Manila (Nihro) To: Tokyo 27 November 1941 (Purple) #797
The Portland, BUKKU*, 2 destroyers, 10 submarines, left port on the 26th (?). Destination unknown.
JD-1: 7082 25782 (H) Navy Trans. 12-5-41 (6-AR) *Probably Black Hawk.
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From: Manila (Nihro) To: Tokyo November 28, 1941 Purple #799
Recently they have utilized a group of nine planes (one flight of six and another of three planes) in high-level scouting patrols over the city of Manila from four o'clock in the morning. In addition, three other planes fly over the city independently. Though in the morning and evening the weather is clear and windless, squalls come once a day.
ARMY 25764 Trans. 12/5/41 (6)
From: Manila (Nibro) To: Tokyo 29 November 1941 (Purple) #805 Ships in port on the 29th. 1. Manila: Submarine tender WOTOSU and HORAN * Submarines 190 class 5 Submarines 170 class 5 Submarines 180 class 5 (When the 180 class entered port there were 8 but 3 departed, destination unknown.) Submarines 150 class 5 Submarines small size 4 Oilers, 2 (PISU * and TRINITY) Destroyers, 2 Gunboats, 1 (BERU *) 2. Cavite: TON * PASU * (being repaired).
3. It was announced on the 27th that for a time the lights at Sangley Point in Cavite, at Manila, Baguio, and on the buoys in the bay would be turned out.
JD-1: 7207 25935 (H) Navy Trans. 12-8-41 (6-AR) *Probably HOLLAND, PECOS, ISABEL.
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From: Manila (Nihro). To: Tokyo. 1 December 1941 (Purple) #812 Ships in port on the 1st. 1. A. Manila. Submarine tender HOLLAND. Submarines, small, 2.
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Submarines, large, 6. Oilers, 2 (PISU* and TRINITY). Gunboats, 1 (KASUBERU). The PASU* which was undergoing repairs at Cavite lies at anchor off -----. Cargo ship, 1 (4000 ton class), taking on provisions. B. The submarine tender WOTOSU. 14 large submarines and 3 destroyers, left port this morning, destination unknown.
The American Navigation (10,000 ton class) entered port about 3 days ago. From it are being unloaded 12 objects 1 meter in diameter and about 3 meters in length. I think they are boilers. (I am making investigations).
A former Danish ship, the Manchen Maersk (10,000 ton class), present registry Panama, present name unidentifiable (under investigation) entered port this morning, about half loaded, it appeared.
5 British freighters (6000 ton class) are at the pier taking on cargo, details not ascertainable.
The Spencer Kelogg (American registry, 6000 ton class), entered port about 2 days ago, unloaded crude oil and is scheduled to load castor oil.
The Don Esteban (requisitioned by the American Army) entered port this morning.
2. Cavite. TON.*
JD-1: 7208 25936 (H) Navy Trans. 12-8-41 (6-AR) *Probably Pecos, Canopus, and Houston.Return to index.