893.00/6–347: Telegram
The Consul General at Mukden ( Ward ) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 5—3:35 a.m.]
85. Following is military situation based on information from sources indicated: Morale National armed forces Manchuria lowering daily. Smoldering resentment and hatred local population appear greater National threat than recent military reversals. Communists realizing their psychological advantage, playing it to the fullest. National wounded soldiers at Kaiyuan railroad station awaiting evacuation were left because high ranking National officers evacuating [Page 157] families. Communists captured station June 3 after National collapse. National eye witness says Communists dressed wounds of National soldiers and removed more seriously wounded, handling them carefully and seemingly with kindness. Made deep impression on witnessing National soldiers.
National officer cadres principally southern Chinese and resentment of northern soldiers toward them no longer concealed. Open criticism of excellent food and living conditions of southern officers being expressed. Communists treating prisoners very well and are fed rice while Communists themselves eat kaoliang. National soldiers no longer fear capture by Communists. Entire artillery battalion of National 71st Army with over 10 field pieces surrendered to Communists at Ssupingkai last week. Over 30 former US Army trucks captured by Communists at Kaiyuan. High ranking Fushun mining officials evacuating families and furniture to Mukden by truck. Mukden north railroad station crowded with evacuees of high ranking National officers and Kmt officials.
Source: USIS36a employee, former army man, and news correspondent. Educated. Excellent connections with National Army, Government officials, and local population. Not Communist.
Sent Embassy as 141, repeated Changchun as 47.
- United States Information Service.↩