893.00/12–1348: Telegram
The Consul General at Peiping ( Clubb ) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 14—3:51 a. m.]
531. Military situation Kalgan reported deteriorated and reliable information indicates Communists immediately west Nankow Pass. Nationalists’ position vicinity Peiping substantially worse than indicated in press; Shunyi fallen on North, Tungchow weak on east and Communists reported yesterday to have occupied Lianghsiang on railway south Peiping. Appears Fu Tso-yi has suffered important losses in fighting between Kalgan and Nankow; his armies have not yet suffered serious losses but defensive strategy [which] caused him refrain from attacking Communists immediately after their incursion [Page 640] into North Hopeh lost him all chance creating even temporary stable military position wide corridors south Great Wall. Present strategy made comprehensible only by reference (1) constricted position in which he now finds himself; (2) deteriorating troop morale and/or (3) political considerations. Political situation dictated Consulate General telegrams. Current rumors negotiations increasing.
Normal expectation would be that (1) political overturn here would follow only after move same character Nanking; (2) Communists’ drive against Peiping could be expected be preceded by cutting Peiping and Tientsin railway as position now is such that Peiping must now be considered as entering period instability and uncertainty with sudden changes possible.
Sent Department 531, repeated AmEmbassy Nanking 784, Am-Consul Tientsin.