893.00/12–3048: Telegram
The Consul General at Tientsin (Smyth) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 30—12:10 p. m.]
514. Callous brutality of Government military in wrecking and burning at least 12 villages (mytel 499, December 28 to Department84) in outskirts of Tientsin is most recent action conducive to increasing bitterness local populace against Government and also Fu Tso-yi who reportedly ordered action. Most eases people given very short notice [Page 705] and soldiers looted before burning. 38,000 poor people made homeless in below zero weather. Some admitted to city after 2 days’ waiting cold and now are burden on already overtaxed private relief agencies, Government doing almost nothing. Many turned to Communists who reportedly gave prompt effective aid. Contrast between Government and Communist relief widely commented on.
Military situation Tientsin area confused. Government reports of heavy fighting no longer believed, as no wounded in evidence. Situation Tangku area even more obscure and no reliable information available. BB and SS84a agent Tangku reported yesterday Government troops commandeering company’s fighters [lighters?] so presume at least part Tangku held by Government.
Fu Tso-yi formerly popular now considered by populace about same class as Generalissimo who universally detested.
Government forces Tientsin are, not counting at least 20,000 defeated unarmed troops, probably about 70,000 men and, with exception few units, are of poor quality. Eighty-sixth Army formerly at Cwt85 is proving why it earned name of “Locusts”.
Although listening to Communist radio forbidden, references to Communist broadcasts made openly by Chinese who show wider interest in Communist policy pronouncements and military reports. They give greater credence to latter than to Government communiqués.
Sent Department 514; repeated Nanking 738, Shanghai 688, Peiping, Tsingtao.