893.00/1–1549: Telegram

The Consul at Tsingtao (Strong) to the Secretary of State

81. January 15 Generalissimo5 through Barr6 recently sought information Navy plans [on] grounds determine whether reinforce troops here. Badger refused information, referred query Chief Naval Operations, stating useless reinforce Nationalist garrison; additional troops create only greater threat of disorder, looting.

[Page 1194]

Consul General considers withdrawal bulk Nationalist troops here preferable to reinforcement. Fewer Nationalist troops here, more orderly will be inevitable Communist take-over.

Sent Department, repeated Nanking 32.

Strong
  1. President Chiang Kai-shek.
  2. Maj. Gen. David G. Barr, Director, Joint United States Military Advisory Group in China (JUSMAG).