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)
Page 286
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 portand 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).
Page 287
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.
Page 288
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.
Page 289
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)
Page 290
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*
Page 291
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).
Page 292
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.
Page 293
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.
Page 294
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
Page 295
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.
Page 296
[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)
[87]
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)
Page 297
[88]
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.
[89]
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.)
Page 298
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)
[90]
[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.
[91]
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.
Page 299
3. Ships in port on the
15th:
A. Manila: MADDO Portland BUKKU BERU BERU** HON WOHOTOSU 8 destroyers 20 submarines 1 minelayer
[92]
B. Cavite: TON PASUJD-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)
Page 300
[93]
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.
Page 301
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)
[96]
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.
Page 302
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)
B.
TRANSLATED AFTER 7 DECEMBER 1941
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.
[98]
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.
Page 303
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.
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