893.00/5–2147: Telegram
The Consul General at Tientsin (Smyth) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:45 p.m.]
105. Reference my 88 (104 to Department), May 20, noon.5 Changli recaptured by Government troops yesterday afternoon. Chinese military headquarters here have not yet been able to obtain information from their forces at Changli regarding 8 Americans there. They will advise as soon as word received.
According to unconfirmed rumor from Chinwangtao brought back by Rutherford, Americans at Changli were taken away by Communists when they left Changli yesterday. I am sending Consul Warner6 by Marine plane to T’ang-shan early tomorrow morning to contact Chinese Army Headquarters in control of Changli. If no definite information available, Warner will proceed to Changli. Chinese authorities have been notified. Report from Marine planes indicate that practically every bridge between Luan River and Liushouying (stretch 28 miles) has been destroyed by demolition or fire; 150-meter steel bridge near Changli badly damaged. Estimated at least 3 weeks for repairs. Communist attacks undoubtedly in response to Manchurian offensive to block communications.
Sent Nanking as 93; repeated Department 105 and Mukden, Peiping.