893.00/10844: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 18—12:15 p.m.]
348. Following from American Consul at Swatow:
“May 16, 4 p.m. Conditions in the interior of this district are exceedingly chaotic at present. Of the 20 magisterial districts, 5 are reported to be in the hands of the Reds. Red forces under the direction of Chu Teh and Mao Tse-tung have captured Pingyuan and are approaching Hsingning. Majority of the refugees from the latter and other places in the interior have come to Swatow. Regular army and militia opposing 2,000 Reds 40 miles west of Swatow. I have instructed women missionaries at Chiaying that they should come to Swatow immediately. Fukien troops withdrawing from this area to operate against Lu Hsing-pang. Communication with interior very poor.”