893.00/5–1949: Telegram
The Consul General at Hankow (Callanan) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 20—11:06 a. m.]
152. Reviewing events past 5 days Wuhan cities, outstanding fact appears rapid acceleration Nationalist withdrawal in final stages. While retreat main body General Pai’s forces with equipment, supplies was well organized and spread over several weeks, seems clear that rapidity Communist advance west and south from Nanchang area so seriously threatened rear Nationalist forces in Wuhan that they accelerated their timetable drastically. Defense command remaining ostensibly for rear guard action left Hankow early morning 16th, 6 days behind Pai’s headquarters. First few hundred Communist troops appeared p. m. 16th obviously weary, followed by larger numbers during night. Most guesses that 4 to 5 thousand are here and probable that Communists unprepared have Wuhan drop in their laps so suddenly. Extensive damage done [by] Nationalists in blasting pontoons and river craft—operation which started about 13 hours on 15th and concluded about 9 hours on 16th—stands out as the serious development in abandoning area. Port is seriously crippled.
Formal entry not yet made Hankow. Parade announced in press for 19th postponed. Small business gradually reopening, city resuming normal appearance with small unobtrusive groups Communist soldiers in streets and sentries posted places formerly occupied by Nationalists. Civic organizations not yet in evidence.
Press reports Kiukiang occupied 17th but nothing reported from Changsha or south.
Only local mail is now accepted by post office and all plane, rail, river communications beyond immediate area severed.
No incident yet reported involving Americans and all are safe and well.
Sent Department 152; repeated Nanking 116, OffEmb Canton 71.