893.00/5–2448: Telegram
The Consul General at Mukden (Ward) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 25—3:25 a. m.]
221. Informed Chinese sources have advised ESD65 that Wei66 has completed plan wage counter-offensive northeast at propitious time. Is waiting for Communist complete present movement bulk troops westwards from north Mukden to Jehol province (thus eliminating Communist ability wage effective attack on Mukden) and then launch an attack against Communist main supply base Liaoyuan coordinated with Government troops in Changchun area. If Government could succeed capturing and destroying this base [this] would be serious setback Communist timetable both this area and North China. Any such movement would threaten basic Communist supply system and would upset Communist schedule in southward drive. [Page 254] Wei doing admirable job in northeast. Upon arrival Mukden in January this year faced with critical problems demoralized staff and troops, serious food shortages both civilian and military, and precarious ammunition shortage. Troops, also too few in number, were further wasted by having been deployed in small units numerous points where reinforcement or resupply impossible and annihilation inevitable when attacked by Communists.
Wei has now remedied situation to such extent only evident serious problem now confronting him are the food shortage and lack troops Chinchow area coordinate with him in opening supply line Hulutao–Mukden. Impossible Wei remedy troop shortages but is taking steps temporarily remedy food shortage by securing additional air lift supplies and obtaining for staff duty the services of American trained (Command and Staff School, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas) General Johnny Liu considered here by persons who have known him, to be one of China’s most capable military supply men. Wei strengthened north by abandoning Kirin, moving troops to Changchun and increasing ammunition supply there from 20 days sustained defensive fighting to present 45 days supply. (Most informed sources believe Communist northeast not capable continuous offensive combat exceeding 30 days.) Government troops Changchun also relieving food shortages there by waging minor well planned and well executed counterattacks against Communists widening Changchun food supply area.
Wei has withstood criticism for not waging premature offensive warfare without proper preparation or reasonable expectation success. By conserving his troops and building up ammunition supply both Mukden and Changchun, Wei now in position deal heavy blow described above to Communists if they make any strategic errors and leave rear open to attack.
Wei continues strengthen Mukden. Is placing direct combat responsibility on American trained officers, sending them field with troops rather than elevating them easy desk jobs. Feeling confidence Government ability hold Mukden permitted armed forces. For first time in over year commercial aviation companies leaving planes on Mukden airfields overnight. Feeling prevails among majority Chinese and foreign observers immediate military situation Mukden more secure today than at any time during past year. Generally believed only factors which could alter local military situation during summer months are: (1) breakdown of supply of foodstuffs to Army, (2) complete collapse of Nanking Government and (3) reinforcement of Communists by outside forces.
Sent Department 221, pass Nanking 213.