893.00/8–349: Telegram
The Vice Consul at Chungking (McGeary) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 7—2:17 p. m.]
135. Following report 8-day trip Vice Consul [apparent garble] T. A. Wahl57 to Lanchow where Chinese educators, government officials and foreigners interviewed:
[Page 469]Reported Pingliang and Tienshui occupied or threatened by Communists as bases for pincer movement on Lanchow and NW. Recent reverses Shensi battle largely attributed failure Hu Tsung-nan hold sector. Some say Hu refused fight. Ma Hung-kwei troops also reported uncooperative and refuse to fight. Most private citizens feel Communist occupation inevitable although proper action and cooperation month ago could have secured NW. Some see only hope in Communists’ voluntarily turning southward to Szechuan, but admit not probable since Communist known [know?] weakness caused by uncoordinated efforts defending army groups as well as political division Kansu and Moslem-Han Chinese feeling. Oil and other resources make NW valuABLE objective. Ma Pu-fang reportedly plans last minute retreat to west Tsinghai.
Appointment Ma Hung-kwei governor Kansu seemed surprise everyone. Most thought ill health would prevent return NW. None could explain apparent inconsistencies Ma Hung-kwei who tells intimates he wants retire, then goes Canton take initiative obtain governorship Kansu. Reported promises support his 60,000 troops important factor Ma Pu-fang acceptance directorship NW headquarters but these troops uncooperative in Shensi battles. Ma Hung-kwei long desired governorship native province Kansu but is unpopular there as result feudal and dictatorial rule Ninghsia province. Unpopularity increased result action troops in battle and unilateral turning over Ninghsia government his son. More dictatorial government and greater military organization expected in Kansu; also drastic changes provisional government officialdom.
Difficult obtain consistent views attitude Han Chinese toward Moslems. Ma Pu-fang apparently trying best eradicate past bad feeling by making donations to schools, giving entertainments and keeping troops in line. Most agree however that despite these efforts and respect for progressiveness Moslems, Han Chinese still hate and fear Moslems; some would prefer Communist dictatorship to Moslem rule. Many recall cruelty Moslem marauders in parts Kansu as late as mid-thirties. Kansu estimated 20 percent Moslem.
Main source Shui Tien-tung, dean Arts College, Lanchow University.
Sent Department 135, repeated OffEmb Canton 88, AmEmb Nanking 140.
- Theodore A. Wahl, Vice Consul at Chungking.↩