Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, The Far East: China, Volume VIII

893.00/4–2649: Telegram

The Consul General at Hankow (Callanan) to the Secretary of State

Hankow, April 26, 1949—11 a. m.
[Received April 26—6:12 a. m.]

122. Pai’s headquarters will set up command headquarters Wuchang shortly but do not expect to move to Changsha near future. Mytel 116, April 22⁵⁸ and previous. Headquarters source told Martin⁵⁹ this morning Pai will not abandon Wuhan until forced to as Pai desires important tax revenue here support his armies. Headquarters sees Commies concentrating attacks on Generalissimo territory next few weeks so unlike[ly] bother Pai. Even mention possibility renewing peace talks when Generalissimo’s armies defeated. Comment: Pai’s headquarters appear display remarkable indifference disaster in east China which may indicate Pai and Li even now will not cooperate with Generalissimo and Kwangtung factions.

Sent Department 122, repeated Nanking 87, AmEmbassy Canton 44.

Callanan

58. Not printed.
59. Edwin W. Martin, Vice Consul at Hankow.