893.00/15194: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6:20 p.m.]
2339. In telegram December 3 from Loyang, Drumright reports as follows:
Rumors of further recent clashes between Chungking and Communist troops Northern Shensi denied by Vice Chief Staff [at] Loyang who states Communists have recently reinforced their troops in that sector. He categorically denies Chungking intends attacking [Page 387] Communists at present. While admitting Communists have formed in North China barrier against northward advance of Chungking troops, he states puppet troops in the North under Chi Hsieh-yuan (Peiping régime) and those in Kifeng region under Chang Lan-feng (Nanking régime) will be used by Chungking to oppose Communists. If Chungking-Communist clash should occur, he said, certain Communist [puppet?] units would support Central Government.