893.00/11–1847: Telegram
The Consul General at Tientsin (Smyth) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 19—5:04 a.m.]
266. Communist capture Shihchiachuang has caused much nervousness among local Chinese military civil officials particularly in view fact several Government divisions sent late September–early October from North China to Manchuria. Possible threat to Tientsin, Peiping [Page 367] creates demand among many Chinese here for recall these divisions which, however, badly needed Manchuria.
Local nervousness increased by transfer now in progress between 62nd Army in general Tientsin area and 92nd Army in Tangshan area. 62nd is well trained, equipped but 92nd not highly regarded. Explanation offered that 92nd is defensive army which can protect Tientsin while offensive 62nd Army needed guard KMA53 mines and vital railway Chinwangtao. Local officials fearing attack during transfer set back curfew midnight to 10:30 November 15. No breaks have occurred so far in November on Tientsin-Chinwangtao railway and KMA coal shipments have averaged 13,000 tons per day. Troop transfer now cutting shipments. Trains Tientsin-Peiping delayed somewhat past week by Communist action near Wuchinghsien. One Government regiment [transferred?] Paoting to Lang[fang?] area to protect railway.
According KMA officials, railway now operating Shanhaikuan to Chinchow.
Many Chinese here more pessimistic Government ability hold North China. This stems comparison present Government military position with only 1 year ago when Government held greater area and was planning to rusk [crush?] Communists. Government officials’ psychology here mostly defensive. Most high Government officials here, but not all, express belief Tientsin-Peiping and possibly railway to Chinwangtao can be held unless Manchuria collapses.
Sent Nanking as 300, repeated Department as 22 [266]. Peiping, Mukden November 18.
- Kailan Mining Administration.↩