893.00/7923: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 9—7: 48 a.m.]
605. 1. The following is résumé of recent developments in the general political and military situation: The Southern troops have steadily extended their control until they are now in possession of all the territory to the line including Fukien, Kiangsi, southwest Anhwei, Hupeh and Shensi. Plans of Cantonese doubtless include securing possession of Chekiang and Shanghai at an early date but it is improbable that invasion of North will be undertaken until they have consolidated their position south of Yangtze. It is currently reported that Szechuan leader, Yang Sen, now in vicinity of Ichang, has shifted his allegiance to Cantonese.
2. Sun Ch’uan-fang has withdrawn his forces for defense of southern Kiangsu and Chekiang, and at present time position of Anhwei is in the balance. Shantung troops are advancing into Anhwei in support of Sun but have thus far refrained from entering Kiangsu, doubtless realizing their unpopularity with the people of that Province.
3. Kuominchun have split their force, the main body remaining in Suiyiian-Paotow area, with a minor force in Shensi now threatening western Honan. Feng Yu-hsiang43 is believed to be in Ningsia.
[Page 659]4. The policy of Northern or allied leaders for some months past has been undecided and vacillating. A conference of Northern leaders was recently held in Tientsin for the purpose of formulating united policy and making plans to combat Cantonese. At this conference Chang Tso-lin was elected commander in chief of a reorganized military coalition under the name of “Ankuochun” or Pacification Army, while Sun Ch’uan-fang and Chang Tsung-ch’ang were appointed vice commanders.
5. Coalition includes Fengtien, Shantung and Shensi troops, as well as the forces operating under Sun Ch’uan-fang and Wu Pei-fu. Owing to the doubtful loyalty of Wu’s subordinates, he is not, at least for the time being, considered an important factor and it is possible that the plans of Ankuochun contemplate his complete elimination.
6. It is believed that a lack of funds prevents immediate offensive on the part of Coalitionists, although present defensive measures include movement of troops into Anhwei and a gradual progression of troops down Peking-Hankow Railway in order to forestall loss of Chengchow in case of defection of Wu’s subordinates.
7. Although the Ankuochun is merely association of military leaders, propaganda is already being disseminated to make it appear that this organization is representative of major portion of Chinese people and that its purpose is to deliver China from a “Red” menace and to protect foreign lives and property. Plans of its leaders are thought to include early installation of an administration in Peking which will seek recognition of the powers.
Repeated to Tokyo by mail.
- In control of the Kuominchun prior to his retirement in January 1926.↩