893.00/2–1247: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 12—3:25 a.m.]
255. Clubb reports from Changchun that recent visits General Sun Li-jen and other senior National Govt commanders to point on Sungari front, coupled with press reports suggesting new Communist military movements, reflect apprehension regarding impending new Communist drive. Clubb believes that such new Communist move is indicated as possibility in near future and also believes that such a drive would probably be stronger than that of Jan. It is still not clear, however, whether or not either first or main thrust would be across Sungari or come unannounced from westerly direction.
[Page 37]Clubb states that aide of General Sun reliably quoted as stating Communists gave Nationalists beating during Jan. (ReEmbtel 70, Jan. 14, 3 p.m.63) and that National Govt morale has declined accordingly. Clubb suggests that aim new Communist drive would be to pinch Changchun–Mukden flanks but it would incidentally lend strategic support Communist campaigning China proper.
Military Attaché64 is of opinion that national morale Manchuria has improved rather than declined as result of active operations against Communists in Jan. despite considerable losses suffered by Communist ambushes.