893.00 Manchuria/10–1047: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 10—3:35 a.m.]
2056. Embassy suggests Department obtain copy of telegram dated October 8 sent to War Department by Military Attaché Nanking concerning observations of Colonel Dusenbury on his recent trip to Manchuria.8 Melby9 accompanied Dusenbury and his observations generally confirm above report. He makes the following additional observations:
Both Changchun and Mukden, particularly as compared with a year ago, are largely deserted cities. Physical appearance of Mukden has improved greatly but there is much less sign of activity and streets seem relatively empty. Changchun gives the appearance of being a dead city. Very few troops are observed in streets of either city. Business is stagnant and prices are rising, particularly at present, with what appears to be the initiation of the sixth Communist offensive. Reports indicate that leading military and civilian figures in Changchun have left.
There was no indication of panic among the general populace in spite of the possibility of attack and the departure of leadership from Changchun. Although the larger cities will probably hold out for some months, the coming winter will undoubtedly be cold and hungry ordeal for urban population.
On the return from Changchun to Mukden, October 6, a towering column of smoke was observed in vicinity Fushun. It was not possible to check, but this may indicate hostilities in the area of the coal mines which would cut off fuel supply of Government-controlled areas.
The most notable reaction in Changchun and Mukden which was confirmed by reliable reports was apathy and weariness of general population. This popular reactionary [reaction to?] Communist strategy of isolating and starving out centers of population at no cost to themselves. It should be remembered that Manchuria is now facing [Page 320] its sixth major Communist attack without prospect of offensive action by the Government which could foretell an end to civil war. Contrary to widely publicized Government reports within China proper, original popular enthusiasm at the appointment of General Ch’en Ch’eng to command in Manchuria is waning. It is generally considered that he has done thorough and effective job of eliminating corrupt civil and military officials but in so doing is now faced with serious shortage of experienced personnel. The main criticism of Ch’en Ch’eng is that his activities have been entirely military and he has so far made no effort in the political field, probably through lack of time, to win the allegiance of the public. Thus, while he has not aroused active public opposition, he has also failed to attract active public support. General reaction appears to be one of doubt of the ability of one man to create any basic change, and of the fear that in general it is too late anyway.
A check of USIS10 activities in Manchuria indicates very considerable effectiveness of the work which is almost entirely attributable to the excellent work of Messrs. Cochran and Frillman.11 As anticipated, the withdrawal of USIS from Changchun was misinterpreted as indicating American abandonment of that area to the Communists. Extension of activities outside Mukden is limited only by active hostilities, by the time of the director, and by insufficiency of money and materials. Those who come in contact with USIS output believe it is the only impartial source of information available to them.
On the return from Peiping to Nanking, 10 large fires were observed at Pahsien, approximately 50 miles west of Tientsin, which suggested Communist activity in that area.
- Telegram not found in Department files. Brig. Gen. Robert H. Soule was Military Attaché in China; Col. C. C. Dusenbury was a member of the War Department General Staff.↩
- John F. Melby, Second Secretary of Embassy in China.↩
- United States Information Service.↩
- Paul W. Frillman and John K. Cochran, Public Affairs Officer and Assistant Public Affairs Officer, respectively, Consulate General at Mukden.↩