893.00/1–2648: Telegram
The Vice Consul at Mukden (McKelvey) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:57 p. m.]
51. Communists making major effort take Hsinlitun after reportedly massing 9 columns for attack. Communists have penetrated [Page 59] Government defenses and are now fighting within city. Arrival Wei4 reportedly improving morale troops. One biggest problems Chen faced upon arrival unwillingness certain commanders commit their troops action. Chen attempted circumvent this by shifting commands. This not satisfactory as commanders did not develop pride in troops and troops in turn failed develop confidence in leader. As result troop efficiency and morale very low upon Wei arrival. Wei reputation as good commander believed spreading rapidly among troops and headquarters personnel and friction which was becoming very noticeable now reported disappearing.
Sent Embassy as 63, Department 51, Peiping 37, Tientsin 32.
- Gen. Wei Li-huang, appointed Deputy Director of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek’s Northeast Headquarters and concurrently Commander in Chief, Northeast Bandit Suppression Forces.↩