893.00/4–1346: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in China (Smyth) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:35 p.m.]
680. Summary Military Attaché report for week ending April 13.
Communist forces reported resuming attacks on Pei-Ning railroad in northeastern Hopei and southwestern Liaoning in attempt delay progress Central Government forces to Manchuria. Seems probable that Communist cessation railroad reconstruction Shantung and elsewhere result of recent development hostilities Manchuria.
Central Government troops advancing slowly toward Changchun. Appears doubtful they will arrive Changchun before Soviet evacuation scheduled for April 15. Advance elements Central Government new First Army last reported 20 miles south of Ssupingkai.
Concentrations Communist troops reported by Chinese G–2 between Ssupingkai and Changchun and north of Changchun. Same source also reports 15,000 Communist troops entered Harbin although no fighting appears to have developed; Communist troops also reported to have occupied additional points vicinity Tsitsihar.
Communist resistance to Central Government forces advancing east and southeast Mukden reported stiffening.
Water lift 71st Army Shanghai to Manchuria reported virtually completed. First Division 93rd Army reported arrived Canton for water lift Manchuria commencing April 15.