Tribune: "89 more American planes destroyed in Kweilin base.... Chunking Line [the Chennault line of airbases] pushed back 1,000 kilometers.

I just heard this morning of a 12-page letter recently sent by Recto to Kuroda. In it, Recto "frankly" answered Kuroda's complaints of lack of Filipino unity and support. Among the reasons cited by Recto: The only thing independent in the Philippines is the flag; Japanese actions of ousting Filipinos from their homes and taking the furniture when they move out; Japanese actions in the provinces and in Fort Santiago. Recto also complained that though he is foreign minister of the Republic, he has become a foreigner to his own people. He had other things to say, which he nicely sugared. Being a poet and a lawyer, he's no fool when it comes to writing briefs.

Going down Rizal Avenue I saw at least 2,000 newly arrived Japanese soldiers marching in full kit and perspiring freely. An hour later as I was cycling back from the Escolta I saw more troops marching in. The city has plenty of navy sailors and officers — no doubt a large and important convoy has arrived. Around Plaza Goiti, people, including old-time Japanese soldiers, stood gaping at the new arrivals. The old-timers seemed bigger and healthier than the new troops.

Business is in the dumps. Talk of a possible evacuation weakened prices in the black market. The Swiss Benevolent Society of the Philippines issued a circular advising members to have their blood typed, and to be ready for an emergency evacuation — preferably with a pushcart!

Schaer's lunch re his July 12 ordeal went off okay. The Japanese ate everything and left no thanks. Mark up one defeat for Schaer.