795.00/11–350: Telegram
The Chargé in Korea (Drumright) to the Secretary of State
priority
[Received November 3—1:20 p. m.]
332. Embtel 3251 and previous on Chinese intervention in North Korea.
[Page 1031]Eighth Army intelligence states careful recheck stockades, plus one additional Chinese captured yesterday, brings Chinese prisoners seized in Eighth Army area to total of 17. Careful and repeated interrogation of prisoners suggests: (1) there two Sino units operating in Eighth Army sector of North Korea; (2) these designated 55th and 56th units; (3) strength of each unit variously reported by prisoners at 2,500, 5,000 and 9,000; (4) these Chinese units were alerted in Manchuria as early as 10 October to move to vicinity of Pyongyang, but owing various delays crossed the Yalu River in three groups on October 19, October 25 and 26. Intelligence reports Sino forces show considerable aptitude for infiltration and guerrilla tactics.
2. Hostile Yak aircraft were shot down yesterday near Sonchon on west coast.