Analyzing the “Photographic Evidence” of the Nanking Massacre

Army rose near Zhonghua Gate.” Judging from the outlook of the town shown in thesephotographs, it is to the west of the Zhonghua Gate. Since the fire was observable evenfrom Zhongshan Street at the eastern end of the Safety Zone, it must have been hugeenough to catch the attention of the people who stayed in the Safety Zone. Actually, JohnH.D. Rabe noted in his diary entry of December 12, 8 p.m., “The sky to the south is all inflames.” It was the night immediately prior to the fall of Nanking, and Nanking garrisoncommander Tang fled from the city about the same time. His escape was followed by thewholesale evacuation of the entire Chinese garrison. In the course of their retreat, theChinese troops implemented the “scorched-earth” strategy of jianbi qingye to leave nothingbehind after their evacuation. Although one cannot rule out the possibility of fire causedby Japanese combat actions, so far, no evidence has attributed the fire set around this timeto the Japanese army.Photo WPhoto W: “Fire at the South Gate street, Nanking.” Nankin kōryakusen shashinchō.Photo W from the North China Daily News certainly shows smoke. But it washighly likely to be the smoke from the fire caused by the retreating Chinese troops on thenight of December 12. It cannot be determined when this image was taken. It does notlook like a scene of military engagement. The soldiers who appear to be marching ingood order look like Japanese soldiers. Thus, one may assume that someone captured thisimage on or after December 13.183