893.00/4–1248: Telegram
The Consul at Tsingtao (Strong) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 13—9:27 p. m.]
58. Remytel 125, April 10th [11 a. m.]89 Weihsien continues hold out though Commies now within one-half mile on all sides city. Airfield in Commie hands. Defenders’ food and ammunition ample for at least several weeks.
Heavy artillery barrage has been directed against city wall last 2 nights particularly to south. CAT pilots report Nationalists still holding main forts just outside wall north and south of city. Estimated 4 to 500 Commie bodies visible from air. Commies attacking primarily at night. Observers believe Commies can penetrate city within next 2 nights unless CAF90 drops flares at night to illuminate attackers. Morale of Nationalist soldiers and population now low ebb and fall of city likely in next few days unless effective aid received in form of diversions from Tsingtao and Tsinan (which are not yet being executed). Major artillery by Commies definitely brings new phase to Shantung warfare which will force change in Nationalist strategy or tactics [and render] untenable cities hitherto held as fortresses against Commie attack.
Sent Nanking 126, repeated Department 58.