Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948, The Far East: China, Volume VIII

893.00/11–948: Telegram

The Consul General at Peiping (Clubb) to the Secretary of State

Peiping, November 9, 1948—5 p.m.
[Received November 10—1:53 a.m.]

444. Communist forces reported by press as having entered Hopei from Manchu[ria] (Contel 443, November 9⁴¹) presumably are only vanguard of larger force. In such event battle North China would be beginning (Embassy see Assistant Military Attaché telegram this date same subject). American newsman yesterday informed at Tang-shan by CO, 87th Army (reorganized 208th Youth Division) that Lin Piao[’s]⁴² main force was expected enter North China through Hsifengkow (Great Wall Pass north of Fengjun, Hopei).

Invite attention estimate Contel 420, November 2⁴³ that Nationalist position North China untenable. It seems entirely conceivable Fu after recent trip Nanking decided abandon previous decision to stabilize in North China and will withdraw. If he has decided withdraw he must do so quickly and recent activities his forces South Chahar may have been designed clear way for retreat. There are various indications none of which however definite that withdrawal is planned; example is sudden notification CAT⁴⁴ personnel Peiping yesterday morning they and whole establishment must be ready move out tomorrow. High official recently home from Mukden informed me yesterday his opinion Fu would be unable maintain position Peiping–Tientsin.

Sent Department; repeated Nanking 653.

Clubb

41. Not printed.
42. Commander in Chief of Chinese Communist armies from Manchuria.
43. Vol. vii, p. 535.
44. Civil Air Transport.