893.00/13356: Telegram
The Consul General at Canton ( Spiker ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:45 p.m.]
Referring to my telegram of January 20, 4 p.m.,55 local military charge [authorities?] have just confirmed yesterday’s press reports that about 20,000 Communists under command of Hsiao Ko56 and Ho Lung57 moved southward from Wengan and after heavy fighting with [Page 504] Government forces succeeded in occupying Pingyueh and Maping-chang on the 26th, thus controlling main route from east to Kweiyang toward which Central Government troops have retired. Today’s press quotes Kweiyang reports that Kweiting has been taken and that enemy is now attacking Lungli, 70 li east of Kweiyang, which is defended by only two divisions. Yunnan authorities allegedly rushing aid to Kweiyang where populace is terror stricken and assisting garrison in digging entrenchments east of railway. Communist objective believed to be juncture with Communist forces in Szechuan. Kwangsi forces reported to be remaining aloof from fighting and to be holding defensive positions in southern Kweichow in areas described in my telegram of January 15, 10 a.m.57a
Recent advices from American missionaries in Kweichow show no Americans in Kweiyang and that two in Kiensi and one each in Pingpa, Anping and Anshun were, in accordance with this Consulate General’s previous advices, very carefully watching developments preparatory to evacuation if situation warrants. Further telegraphic warning has been sent missionaries concerned. Department, Peiping, Nanking, Hankow informed.