893.00/1–749: Telegram
The Consul General at Tientsin ( Smyth ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4:47 p. m.]
20. In conversation with Mayor Tu last night he said situation very bad, saw no prospect holding out against Communists. He said Communists stepping up attacks and believed only thing now preventing entry into city was land mines laid just outside defense moat around city.
Mayor said worst situation was inside city. With factories, shops, etc., closing, more than 200,000 out of work with more thousands unemployed added daily. Also 100,000 refugees and 40,000 defeated troops from Manchuria. He said Government military had food for 3 months but food for civilians would not last many weeks.
Mayor said actions of Government military in city were disgraceful and getting worse. Most of his difficulties were with Government military who have no regard for civilians.
Mayor remarked universal desire all civilians for peace. He knew nothing about peace for all China but indicated peace for North China might be possible. He personally felt peace should be made as soon as possible to end people’s sufferings.
Tempo action around Tientsin much increased last 2 nights, continuing today. Quite heavy mortar artillery, some small arms fire. Some wounded also in evidence from fighting at Huitui taken by Communists yesterday and from western outskirts.
Sent Department 20, repeated Nanking 21, Peiping 15, Shanghai 18.