893.00/12–1548: Telegram
The Consul General at Peiping (Clubb) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:50 p. m.]
543. Have received word indirectly purporting to come from Communist commander Nieh Jung-chen requesting that I make appropriate representations local authorities to end that there shall be no destruction Peiping municipal utilities prior to Communist occupation (see Contel 542, December 15) and giving assurance protection and good treatment aged citizens. I propose broach subject discreetly with local authorities and handle matter on ad hoc basis. Please instruct immediately.
[Page 648]Have just received report from Peiping representative Foreign Office which leads me believe General Fu Tso-yi intends personally leave Peiping. Report received from member Consulate who assisted evacuation Americans by plane “St. Paul” indicates Fu may actually have left by special plane this afternoon.
Aforementioned Foreign Office representative suggested this Consulate and perhaps other Consular representatives Peiping take measures self-protection and protection their citizens this locality “in event Fu were to leave” indicates some belief disorder possible. Indications are, in short, authority may shortly collapse Peiping. Presume General Fu would not wait surrender if departure feasible. Informant states if he departed none would take command fearing responsibilities before Communists. Military situation and causes obscure. Official contacts today show bewilderment course events. Fact is Fu has withdrawn all strong points, deployed some forces immediately about walls Peiping, but brought large forces inside town itself where military action impossible.
Vice Consul [Vice Commanding General?] Kuo Tsung-fen said about three-fourths force outside town one-fourth in but indications are possibly more out than in. Estimate forces available locally 60 to 70 thousand. Reported Communist broadcast demand city surrender in 4 days or have electricity and water shut off.
In absence indication fighting spirit and effective strategy, surrender within that time must be considered possibility.