740.0011 Pacific War/3517: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 31—7:28 a.m.]
2044. Drumright at Sian in telegram October 27 reports as follows: Chungking armies recently transferred to Shantung now being withdrawn by Chiang Kai-shek’s orders. Only three divisions guerrillas remain north Yellow River, regular troops having been removed from that area. Important northern provinces thus almost entirely denuded of Chungking troops and only puppet, Communist and Japanese forces remain. During October three Chungking armies were moved to Shensi and Kansu from Honan as reinforcements on west flank of Communist border region. Over one million Chungking troops now in Honan but no indications of plans for North China offensive unless Japs completely collapse. Military leaders in Sian area apparently devoting chief attention to establishment closer relations with puppet forces who will at safe moment support Chungking.