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

893.00/10–248: Telegram

The Consul General at Tientsin (Smyth) to the Secretary of State

Tientsin, October 2, 1948—1 p. m.
[Received October 2—3:12 a. m.]

274. Re my 492, September 28.⁵³ According to KMA⁵⁴ report yesterday p. m. from Chinwangtao, Nationalist defenses in that general area have “folded up” although not in actual contact with Communists. Troops being pulled in from surrounding region. Twenty-sixth Division from Shanhaikuan said fallen back on Nanlichwang, village near Chinwangtao golf course. Fighting reported 3 miles east of Shanhaikuan. Railway transferring rolling stock from Shanhaikuan to Chinwangtao. KMA reports low morale of Fan Han-chieh troops that area.

Local press today reports Changli evacuated by Government troops but not confirmed. Railway says line open east of Anshang today.

KMA here reports several vessels commandeered yesterday at Tangku to transport troops and supplies to Hulutao, including two fuel control ships used for coal shipments to Shanghai.

Sent Nanking 500, repeated Department 274, Shanghai 479, Peiping and Mukden.

Smyth

53. To Nanking; repeated to the Department as telegram No. 273, September 28, 5 p. m., p. 475.
54. Kailan Mining Administration.