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

893.00/5–1649: Telegram

The Consul General at Shanghai (Cabot) to the Secretary of State

Shanghai, May 16, 1949—2 p. m.
[Received May 16—7:22 a. m.]

1657. Battle coming closer Shanghai on all sides with fires visible from tall buildings indicating fighting about 5 miles from center city. NWA and PAA¹⁷ discontinuing flights today with last flight expected leave around noon. Principal reason for this is that homing tower south of city knocked out by Commies with resulting technical difficulties bringing planes in. Main Commie drive in Yuehpuchen area apparently halted momentarily, with Commies probing further south near Liuheng and Tazang.

Some fighting also going on in Chipao area south of Hungjao airport with villages going up in flames, some apparently by torch per Nationalist policy destruction to clear line of fire.

Although rumored that around 400,000 Commie troops in Shanghai area including 100,000 of Lin Piao’s men, AMA states rumor doubtful and that so far Nationalists have been unable locate main body Commie forces. Commie drive in Yuehpu area is the only one of significant size and AMA feels probable that fighting elsewhere largely by local Commie forces now stirring up trouble preparatory to drive by regular Commie troops. In this connection, reportedly native Commie troops in Pootung area advancing from Fenghsien attacked Nanhuei and headed towards Chwangsha.

Sent Department 1657, repeated Nanking 920, OffEmb Canton 462.

Cabot

17. Northwestern and Pan American Airlines, respectively.