893.00/15121: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Atcheson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:48 p.m.]
1722. The press campaign against the Communists mentioned in our 1644, September 9, appears to be progressing. The Central News [Page 339] Agency here published September 7, a report from the Shantung Provincial Government charging Communist troops with making unprovoked attacks on Central Government forces in Shantung province during July and August. Kuomintang local Chinese daily September 12 published report from Central News Agency, New York, that American papers have given great prominence to and American people have criticized attack.
Communists here say troops attacked were former Chungking forces which deserted to Japanese July 4. Communists also charge Chungking with encouraging such defections which (1) solve food and supply problem for the troops defecting, (2) provide opposition to Communists in occupied areas and (3) ensure presence of Chungking forces there when Japanese withdraw. We are reliably informed that Central Government is greatly concerned over extension of Communist control in North China.