893.50 Recovery/4–2949: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cabot) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6:19 p. m.]
1442. [Garble] information ECA. In long talk with Acting Mayor this morning, latter informed me that (1) Shanghai would be strongly defended; (2) there are 300,000 soldiers now available for defense to be increased to 500,000. Perimeter of field fortifications has been built to depth 30 kilometers from city which will cover mouth Whangpoo. Tanks and other equipment are available in event break-through in any sector. Naval and air forces also available. All disaffected troops have been removed from city. (3) First attack not expected within 10 days. Communists may decide by-pass city in view strength defenses and problems its possession would entail. (4) City authorities would like stockpiles 200,000 tons rice and 300,000 tons coal provided by ECA if possible.
While I am inclined view Acting Mayor’s statements with considerable skepticism, they do emphasize possibility Shanghai might not fall for some time. I informed Mayor it was our purpose continue ECA supplies to Nationalist-held Shanghai as long as river is open and junks are available but did not encourage his stockpiling idea. He did not comment on report which I mentioned to him that he planned remain Shanghai even for Communist occupation.
Although I feel ECA supplies to Shanghai should be trimmed to prudent levels, I am strongly of opinion we must not divert so many cargoes as to risk disruption Shanghai life before or immediately after Communist entry. Our tactic I feel should place onus on Communists if such disruption occurs.
Sent Department 1142; repeated Embassy Canton 370.