893.00/4–1846: Telegram
The Consul General at Mukden (Clubb) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 19—9:13 a.m.]
37. Was informed today by official of General Hsiung’s headquarters that it has been unofficially but credibly reported that there have been captured by Government forces in present fighting Changchun 7 prisoners, of whom 1 or more are Russians.
Please repeat Chungking and Peiping for Ambassador.
Hsiung himself stated attacking forces outnumber defenders 3 to 1, latter comprise only about 7,000 Peace Preservation Corps plus civil militia without any regular forces (previous information had indicated presence small regular Army force), tanks of Soviet and Jap manufacture and artillery are being used in attack whereas defenders lack both air support and artillery, planes with Soviet markings have made low flights over city in course fighting, and other “unidentified” (Chinese Communist?) air craft have been observed at both Changchun and Ssupingkai which latter point still untaken. Stated heavy fighting Manchuria at present confined those two points.
Today’s local press described situation Changchun slightly easier but this without confirmation in impression given by Hsiung.