893.00/6–2347: Telegram
The Consul General at Tientsin (Smyth) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 24—10:30 p.m.]
136. Chinese military here have just informed Marine Headquarters that Communist forces opened general attack yesterday evening 7 p.m. on Tientsin–Pukow Railway between Chinghai (20 miles south of Tientsin in direct line; 30 miles by rail) and Tsanghsien, 76 miles south of Tientsin where railway and Nationalist control end. Simultaneous attacks made on a number of points on railway including Chenkuantun, Tangkuantun, Chinghsien, Machang and Hsingchi; most serious attack at Tsanghsien. Railway inoperative today. Chinese military say they have as yet no information on the subject described below, but Tsanghsien radio is out. Chinese military seem perturbed over situation, and say Communist forces number 50,000; number no doubt exaggerated.
Communists damaged three small bridges on Peiping–Mukden Railway last night near Yangtsun 18 miles from Tientsin. Traffic still out noon today but expect restoration late this afternoon.
Communists cut railway to Chinwangtao last night by mines at three places between Kuyeh and Lanhsien; one locomotive derailed. Also damaged railway between Changli and Peitaiho junction where repair crews reported attacked by Communists. Traffic to Chinwangtao restored before noon today.
Sent to Embassy as 123, repeated to the Department as 136 and to Peiping.