793.94/8169: Telegram
The Consul General at Canton (Linnell) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 23—8 a.m.]
Official information has now been received from Pakhoi that the Nineteenth Route Army are evacuating that port and Kwangtung forces under General Wu Chien Hsiung have been sent to take control. It is reported that at least five and possibly seven Japanese naval vessels including one cruiser and four destroyers are near Pakhoi. No confirmed reports have yet been received that Dr. Ling Shih Feng [and] Japanese investigators have landed.
It is officially stated that Kwangsi forces will be reorganized into the Fifth Route Army with Li Tsung Jen as Commander-in-Chief and Tsai Ting Kai of the Nineteenth Route Army as Vice Commander-in-Chief. Between six and eight divisions will be allowed for whose maintenance Central Government will make appropriation. Reports from Nanning, Kwangsi, are that Pai Chung Hsi is well satisfied with the outcome of Chiang Kai Shek’s conferences with Li Tsung Jen and Huang Shao Hsiung at Canton. Pai is working on the reorganization of the Kwangsi forces and is expected to come for a conference with Chiang Kai Shek before he goes abroad as it is now settled he will do. It is stated that division leaders Liao Lei and Hsia Wei will accompany him overseas. Their expenses will be paid out of the National Treasury.
Sent to the Department, Peiping and Nanking.