893.00/9–949: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Strong) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 9—2:07 p. m.]
1075. Adviser Li Tsung-jen tells us Ma Pu-fang put up strong resistance before Lanchow but was overwhelmed due superior numbers Reds and lack ammunition. Li thinking of rebuking Hu Tsung-nan publicly for retreat which caused such debacle. Ma Hung-kwei has shown no interest in war at all, leading many believe he is negotiating with Reds for “non-belligerent” status.
Same source states Ma Pu-fang has less than 20,000 men left and, though still a fighter and still loyal [to] government, has decided situation northwest is hopeless and plans go Near East as emissary Chinese Moslems.
Time correspondent (believed reliable observer, and with combat experience USMC32), who left Lanchow 4 days before fall, states [Page 524] Reds only 4 miles away from city at that time, but had not yet begun attacks on extensive defenses mountain perimeter. Moslem troops were in high spirits and had prepared excellent earthworks but had almost no heavy weapons or even mortars and very little ammunition. This source believes that if troops actually fought it was very short, sharp battle until ammunition gave out. Believes Moslems probably retreated from Lanchow into Tsinghai in good order with heavy fight. In any event, unless Ma Pu-fang has troops and ammunition in some as yet unrevealed citadel, northwest seems to be finished except for nuisance value as area where Reds will have difficulty maintaining firm control. Red radio states fall Lanchow-Sining has cleared way for major drive on Chungking.
- U.S. Marine Corps.↩