893.00/13411: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 19—11:15 a.m.]
165. Informed by China Inland Mission that it has received a telegram [from?] Shansi superintendent dated Hungtung, March 18, 4 p.m., decoding [decoded] as follows:
“It is reported here and generally believed that Communists quite unexpectedly arrived yesterday Hwochow[?]–Chaocheng. Cannot give even approximate number of [Communists?]. Railway services suspended. Hungtung missionaries inside city. (S. G. D.) Trudinger.”
In that area are Americans, Claude H. Thomas, wife, two children.
Repeated to the Department, Peiping, Nanking and Tientsin.