893.00/10–3148: Telegram
The Consul General at Mukden (Ward) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 31—12:56 a. m.]
457. Ranking Kuomintang official remaining Mukden states Provisional Committee Northeasterners led by General Su Ping-wen, retired [Page 531] Field Commander under Young Marshal,22 negotiating surrender terms for Mukden. Other factors tend lend credence reported surrender negotiations. Communists now in control Fushun–Mukden power lines but city continues receive electricity. Government troops being withdrawn forward areas for concentration Mukden which would probably be one [of] Communist surrender terms. Only sporadic fighting east and north of city which would indicate Government offering only token resistance for face purposes. When Government troops were hard pressed at Tungling, east of Mukden, they ceased fighting immediately.
Impossible know with reasonable accuracy amount military equipment Communists have captured northeast past 2 weeks but conservative estimate is sufficient quantity completely equip minimum 8 additional Communist columns. Equipment includes some 30 pieces heavy American artillery, all in excellent condition, 300 operable American trucks, 200,000 complete winter uniforms, including shoes, and vast quantities foodstuffs. Recurrent reports received here emanating military headquarters Government and Communists presently engaged peace negotiations entire China.
Department pass Nanking 607.
- Chang Hsueh-liang, leader of the Sian coup, December 1936.↩