893.00/12–2447: Telegram
The Consul General at Mukden (Ward) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 25—8:55 a.m.]
399. Communists have 27 divisions. Triangle formed Mukden, Chinchow and Faku. These divisions in position attack Mukden, Fushun, Chinchow or Chinhsi.
Heavy fighting Chowkuenpu, 30 kilos southwest Mukden.
Communists captured Kaochiao, southwest Chinchow, cuts rail communication Mukden–Hulutao and Fushun now only source coal for Mukden.
Tsu Chi-chun, commander Mukden defense Headquarters, in Kalgan via Peiping discuss with Fu Tso-yi possibility sending reinforcements NE.
Military circles believe Government sufficient hold Mukden, but not sufficient drive Communists out Mukden–Faku–Chinchow triangle.
Considerable significance being placed on visit Cheng Tung-kuo, PNEH Chief Staff, to Peiping. Believe Generalissimo may travel Mukden with Cheng when latter returns.
Food rioting becoming serious question. Problem one of unequal distribution rather than shortage. Businessmen estimate 2-month civil food supply in Mukden if equitably distributed.
Government consolidating Mukden defenses by withdrawing troops Kaiyuan area to Tiehling area where Govt anticipates heavy fighting.
Lo Cho-ying, Vice Director PNEH, informed reporters evacuation Changchun and Kirin may be considered when situation around Mukden becomes really [serious.]
Sent Embassy; repeated Department as 399, Changchun 384, Peiping 108, Tientsin.