893.00/10–2446
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 24—7:25 a.m.]
1732. Summary Military Attaché report for week October 14 through 21. ReEmbtel 1555, September 27.11
In Manchuria Nationalist New First Army 30th Division drive, toward Tunghua continued. Following capture of Chinghuan, Huinan and Liuho, Nationalist columns reported moving generally southward indicating possible offensive against Antung.
Nationalist column believed composed elements new First Army’s 38th Division moving east from Kirin occupied Lafa on October 14.
[Page 414]Communist reinforcements have been reported moving to the Chiaoho-Tunghua areas from the northeast and press reports also indicate Communist reinforcement of Taolaichao facing Nationalist Govt Sungari River bridgehead.
In Hopei Communist forces continue threaten Paoting with continuation of strikes along Pinghan12 Railroad between Liuliho and Yuanshin.
In Chahar following fall of Huailai and Kalgan, Peiping-Kalgan section of Pingsui13 railroad has been cleared. Nationalist forces occupied Tolun on October 13. In Chahar area press reports indicate gradual withdrawal Communist forces to areas north of Great Wall.
In Kiaotsi14 Government forces occupied Fungtai on October 15 and Communist Hsinghua and Shuyang now serve as screen for withdrawal of Communist forces into southern Shantung.
In Shantung Nationalist forces in control entire length Kiaotsi railway but rail line not in effective operation and Kaomi is reported under Communist counterattacks.
In Honan and Shansi steady Government military progress is reported.
Since National Govt’s primary military objective is to gain effective control material lines of communications, an operation against Yenan would be of little immediate value because of North Shensi’s lack of railroad and good highways. It is possible, however, that such an operation may be undertaken for its political and psychological effect and further to split Communist-held areas.