893.00/11–2445: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Robertson) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 24—1:15 p.m.]
2029. In telegram dated November 20 Secretary Stevens66 at Peiping reports in substance as follows:
Military information covering last 3 weeks reflects progressive deterioration of Central Government’s military position vis-à-vis Chinese Communists in North China. Communists are concentrated along the eastern part of Great Wall, especially at passes, resulting in serious disorders in Chahar and Suiyuan, and along Peiping-Liaoning and Peiping-Suiyuan railways. Communists have repeatedly destroyed sections of Peiping-Liaoning Railway between Chinwangtao and Kailan coal fields. Coal trains guarded by U.S. Marines and Marine plane[s?] have been fired on in this region. Communists’ siege of Kueisui intensified during first 2 weeks of November and Communist advance on Paotou under way. Communist activity is also reported on [Page 668] Honan-Hopeh border. The Peiping area is calm, with Communists controlling hills believed to be only Communist militia. Commodity prices continue to advance.
- Harry S. Stevens, Second Secretary of Embassy in China, on detail at Peiping.↩