893.00/11–2444
The Chargé in China (Atcheson) to the
Secretary of State
No. 3179
Chungking, November 24,
1944.
[Received December 9.]
Sir: I have the honor to enclose a copy of report
no. 38, dated October 9, 1944, “American Officer and Foreign Correspondents
Report Active Popular Support of 8th Route Army at Front”, by Mr. John S.
Service, Second Secretary detailed to United States Army Headquarters, China
Theater, and recently forwarded by Headquarters to the Embassy. The first
page of the report contains a summary of the enclosures.83
Second Secretary Raymond P. Ludden, also detailed to the Army and now in
Communist territory northeast of Taiyuan, Shansi, is also reported to have
received a favorable impression of Communist solidarity. He, his party of
five American officers (all with China experience) and a group of air
officers rescued from northeastern Hopei are all said to agree that there
unquestionably is solidarity in the Communist areas, and that their
potential strength is almost unlimited provided they can obtain outside
support. The Communists are said to have an impressive knowledge of the
terrain, remarkable intelligence, and exceptional mobility.
Respectfully yours,
[Enclosure]
Report by the Second Secretary of Embassy in
China (Service)
No. 38
[Yenan,] October 9, 1944.
Subject: American Officer and Foreign Correspondents
Report Active Popular Support of the 8th Route Army at Front.
To: Commanding General, Fwd. Ech. USAF–CBI, APO 879.
- 1.
- The return of Major M. A. Casberg and three foreign correspondents
from an extended trip to Northwest Shansi gives us additional
reports based on direct observation of conditions in the Communist
areas behind the Japanese lines to add to those of Lieutenant Baglio
and other foreign travelers.
- 2.
- Major Casberg’s full report (Medical Organization and Equipment of
the Chinese Communist Forces Behind the Japanese Blockade Line,
dated October 15, 1944) is of the greatest interest not only because
of his findings regarding the medical work of the Communist Army,
but also because of necessary incidental description of conditions
he found in the fighting zone. I hope that his report can be
[Page 717]
made available to the
State Department and other interested agencies. Major Casberg was
actually with the Communist forces during several important
engagements and assisted in the care of Chinese (and captured
Japanese) wounded. I attach a few excerpts of his report which are
illustrative of general conditions.84
- 3.
- There is also attached a summary84 of conversations with the three foreign
correspondents (Harrison Forman—London Times
and Readers Digest, Maurice Votaw—Baltimore Sun, and I. Epstein—New York Times and Time-Life) reporting their general impressions. The
correspondents and Major Casberg covered the same general territory
but did not travel together until the last part of their
trip.
- 4.
- The important gist of the impressions of both Major Casberg and
the correspondents is that there is active, aggressive resistance of
the Japanese, and that this is based on complete unity and
solidarity of the people and the 8th Route Army.
- 5.
- It may be possible to criticize the reports of these observers on
the ground that they are not military men. Major Casberg, however,
is an extremely careful, sober observer who has spent most of his
life in the Orient. The three correspondents have all been many
years in China and Epstein speaks excellent Northern Chinese.
Discussion of military qualifications is, however, beside the point.
The chief significance of their reports is the political fact that
the Communists have the complete support of the local population.
This political fact is the basis for military strength.
- 6.
- It is requested that copies of this report be transmitted to the
American Ambassador at Chungking and Headquarters, USAF–CBI, for the
information of Mr. Davies.
Approved for Transmission:
David D. Barrett, Colonel, G. S. C.
