Chapter IV

Excerpts from the writings of Mme Jacqueline Dubois
- Translated by Gay Talbot-Stratford

During the build up to the signing of the surrender document, the scrupulous cooperation of the Japanese authorities led General Worton and Rockey to proceed slowly thus avoiding untoward incidents. They intended to take power gradually, and not to restrict the freedom of movement of the Japanese officers. In appreciation of this, the latter made themselves discreetly invisible. No longer were they seen in restaurants, cafes, shops, or on the streets. Their conduct was so exemplary, that the Americans entrusted them with the guarding of the northern railway that linked Tientsin to Manchuria. It was the direction route from which Mao Tse Tung’s eighth army might well appear.

The Third Corps of the US marines settled into the magnificent offices made available to them by the administration of the French concession. The Americans began work on the surrender document to be signed by the Japanese, and also the problems inherent in the new state of affairs. The logistics were complicated.

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