893.00/10–847: Telegram
The Consul General at Mukden (Ward) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 11—1:01 a.m.]
310. Communist sixth offensive continues with Communist plans still uncertain. Nationalists have been anticipating major Communist drives vs. Ssuping, Kaiyuan and Yingkow but none developed. Report received captured Communist officer stated Communist directives this offensive are: (1) seize foodstuffs and crops, (2) destroy lines of communication and (3) attack moving Government units but avoid strong points. While this report unconfirmed, Communist tactics lend credence accuracy. Communists have not made major effort take strong point as they did last offensive in attacks on Changchun and Ssuping. This offensive seemingly lacks coordination and pattern fifth in that it appears be series individual efforts each which carefully planned and timed but with little or no apparent coordination [Page 319] with other actions elsewhere. Unless tactics change, this offensive shaping up as series large-scale raids to cause as much attrition and loss to Government as possible while keeping Communist losses to minimum.
Sent Embassy, repeated Department as 310, Changchun by mail as 300.