893.00/11–1145: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Robertson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2:19 p.m.]
1963. Brief summary of Military Attaché’s report for week ending November 10 follows: Central Government–Kuomintang [Communist Party?] impasse seems to have reached critical stage during past week, as no progress was made toward solution. Negotiations in Chungking were suspended, while Communists, presumably, considered possible modifications of their demand for immediate cessation of Central Army troop movements into “liberated” areas. Although discussions have now been resumed, it is too early to evaluate possibilities of satisfactory compromise. Since marked conflict is increasing on all fronts, it would be difficult to exaggerate grave significance of these renewed efforts to reach solution. With large areas of China already in state of civil war, it is questionable how much longer these two inflexible and determined political forces can continue to discuss peace.
In Taiyuan, Shansi, area large scale operations are in progress, as Communists, having failed to capture Kweisui in their initial attack, move with announced intention of first taking Paotow and then attacking south to Taiyuan, capital of Shansi. In central Shansi, [Page 614] where Communist troops of 358th Brigade have been attacking towns south of Taiyuan, along Tungpu Railroad, fierce fighting is reported. Near Hopei–Honan border Communist advances against several large towns have been thrown back and they have withdrawn to make stand in mountains. In northeast China Communists fight to retain their military advantage and destruction of railways in that area continues unabated. It is reported that two armies of 11th War Zone were attacked and routed by Communists near Honan–Hopei border and their commanders captured. Troops of Central Govt which entered Hopei through central Shansi and reached vicinity of Shihchiachuang are reported to be moving south on Pinghan Railway, apparently in an effort to assist their defeated comrades and clear way for passage of Central Govt forces. It is important to note that one of Communists’ strongest units, 129th Division, is engaged in these operations, a fact which, added to importance of this vital railway corridor leading to North China and Manchuria, is an indication of reason for seriousness and intensity of these clashes. Vigorous accusations continue to pour forth from Yenan that Central Govt is illegally seizing Communist-held places throughout “liberated areas and is using Japanese and puppet troops in these operations.” Although reports of troop strength are frequently exaggerated and extremely inaccurate, it is obvious that fighting is becoming more bitter, and larger numbers of men are becoming involved.