893.00/1–948: Telegram
The Consul General at Mukden (Ward) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 10—11:41 a. m.]
11. Govt counter offensive (mytel 7[4] Jan. 3)46 not successful. Communist intelligence discovered intent and by leaving headquarters group Faku intact managed move bulk troops westwards where Govt forces Hsinglungtien 25 kilos east Hsinmin attacked by strong Communist forces. Govt admits effective fighting strength one Govt army destroyed. Govt casualties including killed, wounded, and desertions during past week estimated 12,000 men. Accuracy these figures admitted by PNEH. As result these losses Govt jiot in immediate position carry out any extensive operations. Loss of forces not expected have any immediate effect security Mukden. Communists have still failed penetrate Mukden defensive lines in force. Domination Hsinmin area (mytel 546, Dec. 31)47 still appears Communist major objective.
Sent Embassy as 17, repeated Dept as 11, Changchun 10, Peiping 12, Tientsin 9.