Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948, The Far East: China, Volume VII

893.00/9–2348: Telegram

The Consul General at Tsingtao (Turner) to the Secretary of State

Tsingtao, September 23, 1948—3 p. m.
[Received September 24—11:20 a. m.]

145. Tsinan defenders in desperate position as of September 20. Nats now control less than one-third of new west city and Commies have broken into old walled city at northwest corner, destroying the power plant. Another large concentration of Commies is forming near southeast corner old walled city. No info as yet on use by Commies of heavier artillery than 75’s and mortars. Anticipate Commies will try capture city without artillery destruction but if stopped by Nats for any length of time will probably resort to it to insure capture. Defection of Wu Una-wen²⁶ was serious blow to Nats causing perhaps earlier loss of airfield and Commie entry into west city. However, Nat debacle to date only in small degree due this factor.

Wang Yao-wu²⁷ urgently requested CAF²⁸ and CAT²⁹ bomb western section of new west city. CAF sent one C–47 last night with bombs after having bombed and strafed on southeast side of city during day. General impression is that CAF determined render minimum air support, Tsinan commander having been quoted earlier as saying CAF would do no night flying regardless of conditions. At same time CAF interferes with CAT operations to Tsinan.

Ammunition to be dropped Tsinan view early loss of main depots southwest of urban area and main arsenal.

CAT dropping rice today. Flights scheduled for yesterday were cancelled at request Wang Yao-wu view his uncertainty what areas of city he controlled, thus indicating great confusion and very poor communications.

Local military leaders do not expect Tsinan hold out more than week to 10 days. Ho Ying-chin, Min. Defense, spent 3 hours yesterday with Badger³⁰ aboard flagship in company Gen. [Barr]³¹ and RAdm. Old.³² Ho departed by air late afternoon.

Local Chinese expect Tsinan fall soon. Economic reaction already apparent here in disappearance many foodstuffs from open market and widespread sale such items at black market prices.

Sent Nanking 275, repeated Department 145.

Turner

26. Commander of the Chinese 84th Division.
27. Commander of the Second Pacification Area and Governor of Shantung.
28. Chinese Air Force.
29. Civil Air Transport.
30. Vice Adm. Oscar C. Badger, Commander in Chief of the U. S. Naval Forces in the Western Pacific (ComNavWesPac).
31. Maj. Gen. David G. Barr, Chief of Army Advisory Group (AAG).
32. Rear Adm. Francis Old, Chief of the Naval Division of the Joint U. S. Military Advisory Group.