Special Collections

Chinese

This special collection contains manuscripts and other unique items that are only accessible in the Asian Reading Room by advance appointment. To schedule an appointment, contact reference staff through Ask a Librarian. Researchers should review the Asian Division Rare Book Policy prior to their appointment.

Collection of Wartime Messages from China to the American People (1943-1945) and Other Materials
The collection includes handwritten letters, statements in bound volumes and on scrolls, and other material from Chinese people expressing gratitude for American assistance in the Second World War. Correspondents include government officials and agencies, schools and schoolchildren, churches, businesses, trade unions, banks, and associations. Notable among the signatures is that of banker and politician H.H. Kung. Included are a cloth badge of the Oversea Chinese Anti-Japanese Guerrilla Army, Malaya-Siam Command; and a "blood chit" worn by American flyers over China during the war.

Finding aid for Collection of Wartime Messages from China to the American People (1943-1945) and Other Materials [PDF, 1.77MB]
Note: Guide is primarily in Chinese.

Japanese

Items contained in this collection do not require an appointment for viewing; however, it is not currently possible to request these items through the online catalog. To request an item from this collection, please see staff at the reference desk in the Asian Reading Room or submit an inquiry through Ask a Librarian.

[Kyū Nihon Riku-Kaigun shiryō = 旧日本陸海軍資料]

This collectively catalogued collection contains nearly 6,000 titles related to various aspects of the former Japanese Imperial Army and Navy, as well as military topics more generally. Coverage begins with the Meiji period and extends through the immediate aftermath of World War II. All items begin with the call number CLC U21.

To search for specific works within this collection, combine the search term "CLC U21" with a keyword in romanized Japanese or an English term from a Library of Congress Subject Heading. For an example, see the sample search below.

Sample search for the call number CLC U21 with the phrase "Sino-Japanese War, 1937-1945".

Sino-Japanese War of 1937-1945: A Resource Guide

Asian Studies: Ask a Librarian

Special Collections

Chinese

Japanese

[Kyū Nihon Riku-Kaigun shiryō = 旧日本陸海軍資料]