893.00/10–2648: Telegram
The Consul General at Tientsin (Smyth) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 27—4:58 a. m.]
302. According KMA report from Chinwangtao, Government troops there openly saying they have no intention fighting if Communists arrive, but will turn over to Communists. This is further indication deterioration morale Government forces. Troops concerned units of Ninety-second Army under Fu Tso-yi’s command but not his own troops. So far we have heard no such reports about Fu’s own [Page 518] troops; Chinese officials Tientsin greatly concerned over food question. Relaxation police control over prices has resulted some supplies coming in from countryside, but reported Communist standing offer 30 percent premium over any Government prices offered for wheat and other grains expected prevent much from coming in.
KMA states if food not available for 60,000 mine workers Tangshan area, many must go over to Communists’ areas to eat. ECA assisting but Chinese Government apparently unwilling or unable to relieve situation.
New Star, daily paper published here by graduates Yenching University, published bitter editorial yesterday entitled “We Must Have Peace”. This is first editorial in Tientsin openly demanding peace. Translation sent in our telegram 547, October 26.10
Sent Nanking 546, repeated Department 302, Shanghai 514, Peiping arid Mukden.
- To Nanking; repeated to the Department as No. 304, not printed.↩