893.00/10–748: Telegram
The Consul General at Mukden (Ward) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 8—5:45 a. m.]
399. Primary purpose Government capture Anshan [was] to advance outposts guarding main line defense through Liaoyang and assure uninterrupted gathering harvest. Government does not expect be able hold Anshan appreciable period. No plans further extensive drive southwards Yingkow. Four Government armies, New First, New Sixth, New Third and Sixty-Second, preparing move northwestwards from Mukden towards Faku in coordination with southward movement to Faku by present Changchun garrison. Two purposes this move—1, relieve Changchun garrison and, 2, relieve pressure Chinchow by threatening Communist lines communication. Actual movement troops northwards not yet implemented. Ssupingkai will be by-passed by Government forces. Unconfirmed reports Changchun garrison has already started southwestward move from city. Rumor received here Government Sixtieth Army Changchun, composed Yunnanese troops, deserted to Communists immediately after departure from Changchun.
Communist plans not clear. Disposition troops north Mukden puzzling. All large forces move westwards in apparent invitation [Page 487] Government withdraw Changchun garrison. May be trap entice Government extend troops northwards and then attack left flank, may be trade with Government allow Changchun troops be evacuated in return unopposed occupation Changchun which is one [of] Manchurian traditional capitals and communications net hub, may be move entice Government forces out Mukden Island permit Communists cut behind and attack weakened defenses or may be plan Communists move all available forces Chinchow area for all-out effort capture Chinchow and Chinchow–Shk59 corridor, thus permitting coordinated effort from north and south in North China areas. If last true, would mean Communists believe Mukden neutralized all practical purposes and willing grant it respite from collapse by permitting raiding parties expand present Government holding Mukden and seize limited quantities fall harvest. Actual Communist intent not clear as yet but Government position where no tactical errors can be made without disastrous effects.
That Government considers situation important was exemplified report recent visit Generalissimo at Hulutao in Chinchow area and reported landing two additional armies Hulutao reinforce Chinhsi and Chinchow area, following failure Government airlift sufficient numbers reinforcement from Mukden.
Sent Nanking 541, repeated Department 399, Peiping 215, Tientsin 128.
- Shanhaikuan.↩