893.77/10–245
The Second Secretary of Embassy in China (Stevens) to the Ambassador in China (Hurley)71
Sir: I have the honor to report as follows on rail communications in north-central Honan Province. The information was given in conversation today with an American Catholic priest who returned to Sian two days ago from a visit to the area mentioned.
Communist activity north of the Yellow River in Honan has become increasingly active. They have established headquarters near Puyang where many Chinese hostages are being held. One German Catholic priest was taken by the Communists from Poai to Chihcheng, 3 Italian priests from Anyang to Linchang, and 1 German priest from Yenching to Niushihtun.
The Taokow–Poai Railway east of Hsinhsiang, destroyed by the Chinese before the Japanese arrived, has not been restored. West of Hsinhsiang, the rails have been taken up by the Communists and removed to some Communist stronghold in the Tai Hang Mountains. North of Hsinhsiang, on the Ping-Han Railway, the Communists have destroyed many bridges and otherwise damaged sections of the roadbed, in order to prevent the northward movement of National Government troops.
South of the Yellow River, Japanese-controlled and operated military trains are running on the Lung-Hai Railway from Chenghsien eastward to the new Yellow River ferry about 30 kilometers east of Kucheng, and from the east bank terminal of the ferry on to Kaifeng. Most of the west to east trains, however, reach Kaifeng from Chenghsien by crossing the poorly repaired Yellow River bridge northwest of Chenghsien, proceeding to Hsinhsiang, and then turning southeastward, on the Hsinhsiang–Kaifeng line, crossing the dry bed of the Yellow River on a raised embankment near Liuyuannankou. Japanese troops still control the railway and public communications systems in this sector.
South of Chenghsien, on the Ping-Han Railway, trains run to Chumatien where there are American CCC72 and OSS73 groups which plan to withdraw. West of Chenghsien, trains run only as far as Ssushui.
My informant was of the opinion that the attitude of the Communist[s] in Honan toward foreigners is stiffening, while that of the Japanese is becoming more courteous. Some of the newly-arrived National [Page 576] Government military authorities, he said, are employing the Japanese and some puppet troops to protect the railways from damage or seizure by the Communists.
Respectfully yours,