893.00/10–1948: Telegram
The Consul General at Mukden (Ward) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 20—7:23 a. m.]
411. Early collapse Chinchow defenses caused by defection two divisions Govt Ninety-third Army. By prearranged agreement Communists avoided contact these two divisions defending north and west sections city and divisions allowed Communists move through their area without offering resistance. (ConGentel 536 [to] Embassy, 400 to Department,78 129 to Tientsin and 216 Peiping).
Govt Sixtieth Army Chinchow moved 10 miles east Chinchow on October 17 and surrendered in toto to Communists. Are now absorbed in Communist forces as an army unit. (ConGentel dated October 7, 531 Nanking, repeated Dept 399, 215 Peiping, 128 Tientsin). Not believed remaining Govt Seventh Army will be affirmed [apparently garbled] reports received Chinchow taken by Communists October 18.
[Page 502]Communists 12th Column formerly Kaiyuan are moving northwards towards Ssuping.
Immediate plans both Communists and Govt unclear. Move 3 Communist columns from Chinchow area southwards toward Chinhsi-Hulutao may portend all-out effort by Communists take Chinhsi and Hulutao. If these two points taken, northeastern and north China Communist[s] then in position join forces. Main Communist forces, however, not yet sufficiently committed foresee whether drive will be southwards Mukden.
Govt military leaders considerably shaken by events past several days. Three possibilities exist:
- 1.
- Attempt evacuate northeast and join north Chinese forces by fighting way through to Chinhsi (success such undertaking would depend largely whether or not Communists desire such troops movement. Such an undertaking would naturally make Mukden immediately vulnerable Communist occupation. ConGen will be on alert indications such move and I will appreciate immediate advice by Embassy or other American agencies if any information received indicating such future intent by Govt).
- 2.
- Similar move by Govt to evacuate troops through Yingkow (again such action would have immediate and far-reaching effect Mukden situation).
- 3.
- Withdraw Govt forces from present advance positions west and north Mukden to within former Mukden defense perimeter (unconfirmed reports state such action ordered by Generalissimo. If adopted such act will transform Mukden into “second Chinchow”. Duration Govt tenure northeast would then probably depend largely Communists’ willingness or unwillingness sacrifice large number SS [shock?] troops hasten complete collapse).
According unconfirmed report, anti-Moscow Communist group Harbin planning second “Tito” incident79 that area to combat increasing Soviet control Manchuria.
Sent Nanking 534, repeated Department, Peiping 222, Tientsin 135.