740.00119 PW/9–1545: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Hurley) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 16—9:28 p.m.]
1595. Summary of Military Attaché’s report for week ending September 15 follows:
Japanese surrenders taking place according to plan and Chinese Government troops rapidly taking over. Chinese Government commanders have set up headquarters in Nanking, Shanghai, Canton, Peiping and Hankow. Troops being flown steadily to Nanking and Shanghai from whence they will be flown to Tientsin and Peiping as soon as replacements arrive by land. Hunan and most of Hupeh now under control Central Government; many [cities of?] Kiangsu, Honan also reoccupied. Forces under command Ho Ying-chin readily taking over Kwangtung and northern Indochina; expected that occupation southern China will not be difficult as Communist and Japanese control weakest there. Situation Indochina may develop unsatisfactorily, however, from Central Government viewpoint as reports received of increasing Annamese hostility in opposition to outside influence.
In northern Kiangsu Communist activity increasing; this follows Communist failure to gain control more important towns Shantung. Considerable Communist activity northern Shansi and Hopei. Large Communist forces moving northwest from Yenan have reportedly reached Hopei, obviously with control Tientsin, Peiping in mind; Communist forces have failed in negotiations with Japanese commanders for surrender. Situation central Shansi remains tense; Communists slowly consolidating large area around Taiyuan and Fenyang; Central Government sources admit situation is serious. Communist strength in Nanking area, south of Yangtze, slowly increasing; no hostilities so far, and doubtful whether Communists will attempt operations in view movement [bring?] Central Government forces into Nanking. Slight show of Communist strength around Shanghai; no regulars reported, but several thousand civilians, mostly factory workers, propagandized and armed to some extent.
Situation Sinkiang56 once again serious and Moslem element resuming campaign to eliminate Chinese authorities from province. Chinese rapidly evacuating western and northern Sinkiang, preparing to concentrate around Tihwa. Road to Kashgar cut, separating southwest provinces from Chinese forces. No indication yet who is responsible for present hostilities. Current campaign comes at time when Sino-Soviet relations outwardly at best. Soviets have agreed not to interfere internal affairs Sinkiang and difficult to appraise their role. [Page 564] Should be borne in mind, however, that relations between Kazakhs both sides of border have always been close and probable that Soviet Kazakhs influencing their Sinkiang brothers as in past. Chinese position Sinkiang always shaky, and now that question of Outer Mongolia has come into open, it is possible that Sinkiang Moslems who comprise over nine-tenths population, may attempt to gain similar recognition. Central Government considers situation serious enough to send General Chang Chih-chung, trusted advisor to Gimo,57 to Tihwa for special investigation.