893.00/12–3045: Telegram
The Consul at Peiping (Stevens) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 31—4:09 a.m.]
“Rumors” of existence in North China of a so-called Japanese National Salvation Organization have reached 11th War Zone Headquarters, Major General Hu Chung-ching, Director of Headquarters’ Foreign Affairs Department, reportedly told press yesterday. He was unable to state the strength of this Japanese underground organization but said its aims are disruption of the existing cordial relations between China and her Allies.
The spokesman reported that Soviet Russia had [completed?] the withdrawal of her troops from Jehol and that the Chinese had taken over the administration of that province.
Concerning Communist activity in North China, General Hu reported that “bandit forces” are very active between Kalgan and Huailai and that they are being reinforced in the area west of Nankow. Communists in Hsien [Sienhsien?] and Hokien are conscripting tens of thousands of peasants for train wrecking work. The inhabitants of Tsanghsien are being forcibly conscripted and are being sent to other places for military training, the spokesman stated.
General Hu continued to say that the Communists are beginning to seize winter grain and are forcing the inhabitants to supply them in other ways. (Sent to Chungking; repeated to Department.) He charged that Communists disguised as refugees recently poisoned tea and water in attempts to kill Central Government troops in Hopei Province and that they are organizing bands to assassinate Government soldiers and officials.