893.00/5–849: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cabot) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 8—2:59 a. m.]
1551. General Tang En-po informs me that three Communist armies are now advancing on Shanghai, on Changshu-Soochow front, two more have turned back from Hangchow towards Kashing and about three more seem to be getting into line for attack on Shanghai. Tang expects attack to come from southwest aimed at Pootung sector which is fortified but not as heavily as elsewhere. He denies reports that reinforcements have been brought from Taiwan.
Tang says no fighting as yet on Pai Chung-hsi’s front. He at one moment insinuates Pai has made a deal, at next claims he is still loyal to Nationalists. Tang openly avows his loyalty to Generalissimo.
Tang also states that Communists are divided into Chinese and international factions and claims there is friction between Chinese Communists and Soviets.
Tang admits that maintenance of order in Shanghai is going to be difficult and by inference that he cannot hold Shanghai.
Tang says cannonading heard near Woosung May 6 was practice.
Sent Department, repeated Nanking 867, Canton 419, ComNav-WesPac.92
- Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Western Pacific.↩