893.00/6–346: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in China (Smyth) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 3―7:40 a.m.]
902. Summary M[ilitary] A[ttaché’s] report for period May 21 to 28:
Elements new first army entered Changchun 23 May after occupation Szupingkai 20 May and Kungchuling on 22 May. Consensus of reports indicates Communist resistance light. According newspaper reports, Central Govt. forces have continued advance north and east Changchun. Extent advance not known.
Consensus informed observers Central Govt. forces capable further advances along rail lines Manchuria without encountering serious Communist resistance. Primary consideration affecting Central Govt. advance will be ability these forces maintain lines, supply and communication north of Great Wall where Communists have capability local harassing attacks.
If Central Govt. forces continue advance Manchuria, Communists expected concentrate efforts attacking lines communication and supply and to conducting raids against Nationalist outposts. Now appears [Page 946] Communist forces not capable frontal encounters Govt. troops, particularly U. S. trained, equipped units.
In southeast Jehol no important developments since Communist withdrawal from Peipiao on 18 May.
Situation Tsinan area—less tension though Communist encirclement Tehsien, Taian and Laocheng reported tightened. Chinese G–2 states Tsinan has never been in danger capture by Communists although isolation outside was threatened.
Scattered Central Govt.-Communist engagements reported from Hopei and Honan.