893.00/13434: Telegram

The Second Secretary of Embassy in China ( Atcheson ) to the Secretary of State

71. My 66, March 27, 9 a.m. and previous.

1.
I have been informed over the telephone by the Foreign Office that despatch from the Military Affairs Commission just received states that (1) further telegraphic instructions have been sent Yen Hsi Shan directing the military in Shansi to give particular attention to the problem of protecting foreigners and to evacuate foreigners from danger zones if necessary; and (2) a plane has been despatched to reconnoitre the Hungtung–Linf en area.
2.
I replied that the Embassy’s concern for the safety of Americans at Hungtung continued because of the lack of definite information concerning their welfare and suggested that a message be dropped into the city asking for some signal indicating the Americans’ condition. Citing reports of successful Soviet experiments in dropping military equipment from air planes, I also suggested that a radio-sending apparatus might be dropped into Hungtung by parachute without undue risk to a plane since the Foreign Office communiqué of March 26 stated that the Communist forces lack artillery. The spokesman said the Foreign Office would consult with the Military Affairs Commission as to these suggestions and other possible means of obtaining definite information.
3.
According to the spokesman’s understanding, a large body of Communists is still operating between Hungtung and Linfen and these cities continue to be under siege. A Central News Agency sheet [from?] Taiyuanfu dated March 28 states that Chiaokou and Shihlou near Suitouchen, 60 miles northwest of Hungtung, were captured by Government troops March 27.
Atcheson