893.00/1–1349: Telegram
The Consul General at Tientsin (Smyth) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2:05 p. m.]
49. Chief Police Li Han-yuan told me last night he expected more indiscriminate Communist shelling of Tientsin. He believed Lin Piao angry over unexpected vigorous resistance which upset timetable. He thought Lin Piao would not agree General Chen’s counter proposal (our telegram 41, January 1278) to take troops out as unit via Tangku with rifles. He expressed opinion Tientsin could hold out another 2, possibly 3 weeks (mayor does not feel can hold out so long). Li said Government, military expected all-out Communist attack from east and west last night (this did not occur although heavy attack west gate repulsed).
Tientsin presents paradoxical situation of civil populace and press which has taken leadership among Chinese cities in advocating peace and garrison commander who has taken a so far successful, stubborn and bellicose attitude in face hopeless odds.
Sent Dept as 49, repeated Nanking 44, Shanghai 38, Peiping 35.
- Not printed.↩