893.00B/3–1049: Telegram
The Consul General at Tientsin (Smyth) to the Secretary of State
130.90 Following observations on local reaction to Communist occupation may be of interest: There was among local Chinese populace a certain air of exhilaration for first 3 or 4 days after “liberation” January 15, partly because trying days of attack on city were over, partly because of demise of a hated regime and partly because of excellent initial impression made by “liberators” on populace. This soon gave way to a period of reserved watchful waiting. This lasted about 2 weeks since it has been apparent that populace has genuine doubts that problems of a big city [will benefit?] and especially doubt that it can be beneficial to a city whose life depends upon import-export trade. There is a cautious but discernible resistance to Communist propaganda, originally designed for rural consumption and not altered sufficiently to avoid insult to a good portion of comparatively better educated urban mentality. While there is approval of unexpected leniency and toleration of Communist attitude in some matters compared to what has been feared, there is resentment that everyone is expected to fall in line. We have been surprised especially recently at freedom with which Chinese express their real feelings. Vice Consul Jenkins91 reports there are many jokes about the new regime which are repeated in groups with minimum of caution.
Jenkins states a farmer with whom he talked in local market said things were better for him now that trade was restored with Tientsin and that it was a refreshing novelty not to have to pay heavy squeeze to bring his produce into city. He maintained, however, that people of his community did not like Communists; he said Communist officials ate and dressed better than country people and that general controls and restrictions were much more oppressive in rural areas than in city up to now. He said “listening committees” were highly organized everywhere and that independent Chinese farmers were both intimidated and irked.
Jenkins reports there is open fun made of newspaper statements that great masses of city population have spontaneously and joyously celebrated liberation of Tientsin and Peiping in impressive parades and ceremonies. Of newspaper itself (until recently only one official Communist paper published), more educated Chinese say it is journalistically poor and propaganda [is] juvenile. Former Ta Kung Pao [Page 171] now allowed to publish as “progressive daily” after apology for former sins; its news articles follow party line and editorials seem juvenile in argument except to uneducated. However, possible effect of constant bombardment of populace by same propaganda lines, whether juvenile or mature, should not be underestimated.
Laborers do not seem over-pleased with situation. They expected great things from Communists but, although they are supported as against employers, the general business situation is bad and lot of laborers has not notably improved. Workers in transportation and public utilities seem displeased over new low wages.
One matter which causes increasing resentment among Chinese is practice of Communist military and also civil personnel of billeting in homes. A great many Chinese have Communist soldiers billeted with them. Also resented is freedom with which Communist soldiers enter houses to look around and practice of “borrowing” anything from kitchenware to rugs and furniture. These same practices are also much resented by foreigners. Many Soviets, some British and other foreigners have soldiers billeted on them and “borrowing” has been a universal plague.
Although Communists announced that property of law abiding foreigners and Chinese would be protected they show little hesitation in taking what they wish. On March 7 Communist troops moved into billet in a large Butterfield [and] Swire92 warehouse and paid no attention to protests. Due to Communist policy of not recognizing Consulates, foreigners have no recourse except to their own individual efforts. A number of foreign businessmen who have appealed to authorities for police protection against threats by unruly laborers have been put off and left to their devices. So far foreigners have suffered no physical harm but have been inconvenienced and worried by lack of security. Also red tape attending business and daily living, and prolonged delays of officials in acting on applications for numerous permits now required, are irksome and demoralizing. Majority of foreigners are getting fed up with conditions and if conditions do not improve in next few months it is expected that many will endeavor to depart.
Chinese who say present regime cannot last long are, we feel, not making a realistic appraisal of situation and are not taking into consideration the effects of controlled propaganda, the lack of a substitute government which might be supported, and the possibility that Communists will learn enough through their mistakes and deficiencies to gradually improve. One of chief dangers to Communists at present in Tientsin, aside from problem of getting foreign trade going, is absorption of former Kuomintang elements within their military [Page 172] and civil organizations. This danger would seem to arise not so much from possibility of shift in political affiliation back to Kmt as from inveterate habits of corruption which might prove contagious to newcomers. Reliable reports during last 2 weeks indicate that some Communist officials are taking squeeze duties; not yet possible to know how general this will become. At least it is a break from their former austere incorruptibility.
Most important question now facing Communists is whether they will prove to be more Chinese than Communist. This question has been discussed with a number of Americans and other foreigners during last few days and consensus is that they will prove to be more Chinese. Oldest American businessman in Tientsin, resident there for many years, is firm in his conviction on this point; he says he is betting his business on this conviction but will not venture prediction on how much time will take. He intends to remain 6 months or so to see how things develop.
As OTP with Department is our only code, we assume Department will relay our telegram to Embassy and interested Consulates.