893.00/10–2748: Telegram
The Consul General at Mukden (Ward) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 29—1:52 a. m.]
432. Government military tactics Northeast past week resemble comedy errors if consequences Government were not so tragic. Generalissimo [Page 524] assumed burden personally directing military moves from desk in Peiping. Aim was evacuation Northeastern troops. Point evacuation apparently unknown even by commanders involved. Thus far, Four and part Fifth Government Armies have been surrounded by Communists. All except two armies have been separated and units [of] size division or smaller attempting make way back to Mukden Island. New First and Forty-ninth only two armies escaping with any semblance order although New First lost all headquarters equipment. New First reported have arrived immediate Mukden area late afternoon today. Future Mukden depends numbers and equipment of Government troops able fight way out Communist pocket. If few units escape, probably only token resistance will be offered Communists Mukden area but if large units succeed returning, Mukden may well become second Changchun. Strong Communist units reported moving towards Fushun.
Any possibility more than one Government division presently Yingkow being evacuated intramural China exceedingly remote. Troop commanders and staff headquarters here bitter towards Generalissimo for bungling and inept direction operation. Wei’s headquarters nothing more than message center for Generalissimo.
Sent Nanking 583; repeated Department, Tientsin 144 and Peiping 229.