893.00/1–1749: Telegram
The Consul General at Tientsin (Smyth) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 17—5:58 a. m.]
75. Consensus of opinion of Americans and other foreigners here is that the Communist attack on and occupation of Tientsin January 14 and 15 was a very well planned and executed operation and was carried out under the circumstances with a minimum of damage to the city. Earlier press reports of damage to the city were somewhat exaggerated. Damage to city seems to have been limited due to fact that Communists apparently used light artillery against places such as municipal government building (ex-Gordon Hall in Victoria Park) in vicinity of which are located American and British Consulates, banks, apartment houses, et cetera. As result of the use of lighter artillery, actual property damage in this area has been very small. Chief damage is broken window glass and much of this was due to concussion from explosion of Nationalist ammunition dump some distance away. Foreigners have freedom of movement. A Communist official had stated that all foreigners who comply with the law will be given full protection both as regards their persons and property. Americans and other foreigners have been impressed with the discipline and generally exemplary conduct of the occupying troops.
Sent Department 75, repeated Nanking 68, Peiping 57, Shanghai 60.