893.00/15309
The Ambassador in China (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 20.]
Sir: I have the honor to enclose a copy of despatch no. 41 of February 13, 1944, from the Secretary on detail at Sian92 reporting observations by a foreign observer on conditions between Sian and Pingliang (east Kansu) with reference to Kuomintang–Communist relations.
Summary. Conditions during the first part of February were said to be easier than at the beginning of the year and much Jess anxiety was evident among the residents of the area between Sian and Pingliang. The informant noted very few troop movements and Chinese military officers in that area gave no indications of any planned military operations against the Chinese Communists. End of Summary.
In a telegram dated February 25 Mr. Drumright states that an American who had just arrived at Sian by highway from Chungking reported seeing thousands of Chinese soldiers on the march both north and south between Kwang-yuan (north Szechuan) and Paochi (west Shensi). This informant stated that the number of southbound troops appeared to be larger than that of the troops moving north, and that the former seemed to be in better physical condition than the northbound group. The condition of all the troops was described, however, as being very poor.
Respectfully yours,
- Not printed.↩