893.00/10–1448: Telegram
The Consul General at Mukden (Ward) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 14—5:18 a. m.]
403. Chinchow situation critical. Communists attacking city walls south and west city. Fighting cotton mills east city and rail station north city. Wei now Hulutao [to] direct planned drive relieve from south. Report received orders given four Government armies now waging offensive north Mukden, divert their attention drive through Chinchow. If such done would leave Mukden vulnerable attack by Communists withdrawing from Chinchow, providing Communists willing allow Government forces drive through relieve Chinchow. Now being apparent Communist present strategy open corridor Chinchow–Tientsin, therefore not believed Communists will abandon attempt take Chinchow unless Government pressure makes such imperative. Believed outcome military engagement now being waged Chinchow and final deployment four Government armies now north Mukden will largely determine fate northeast and north China.
Sent Nanking 540, repeated Department, Peiping, Tientsin and Shanghai.