893.00/12–2148: Telegram
The Consul General at Tientsin (Smyth) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 21—6:25 a. m.]
475. Sporadic gunfire and small arms fire starting midnight increasing in intensity 5 to 6:30 a. m. Firing seemed northeast, west with few shots south of new air strip. Firing apparently vicinity east arsenal, Hanchiahsu and Yangliuchang to west and unknown places to southeast and south. Tangku reported taken by Communists yesterday.
Government military commandeering many places, foreign and Chinese, to billet troops. Artillery and street barricades being placed exit alien concession (including Catholic church and hospital) near East Station and elsewhere well inside defense moat which circles Tientsin. Chief apprehension is over possibility rioting, looting, before and during Communist attack. Presence at least 20,000 defeated [Page 673] troops not reassuring. Li Han-yuan, able police chief, promises to do best to maintain order but not sure he can do so.
Foreign Consuls Tientsin met yesterday, decided address joint note to garrison commander56 here regarding protection foreign lives, property. Note sent yesterday similar to that sent by foreign Consuls Peiping to General Fu, December 19. Presume Clubb reported text or substance that letter.57
With loss Changsueichuang airfield, new air strip on race course southern end city expected operate tomorrow [and] becomes prime military objective. Communist attack or artillery fire on air strip would seriously endanger our three consular houses adjacent to strip. We taking today off moving some our effects and food stores from houses into Leopold Building, center of city, where office located. We will remain in consular houses long as possible. Arrangements also being made to house small American community if necessary in Leopold Building and National City Bank, latter new ECA office.
Sent Department, repeated Nanking as 707, Shanghai as 651, Peiping, Tsingtao.