793.94/10958: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 3—9:22 a.m.]
886. 1. Representatives here of the former Communist troops (Eighth Route New Army) are reported as stating a second army of former Communist troops from Fukien, Kiangsi and other places is being organized at Hankow to be known as the Fourth Route New Army.
2. Li Tsung Jen is at present in Nanking. Kwangsi troops on the Tsinpu front are understood to be second and third line troops and not the best of the Kwangsi forces.
3. From information reported by hospitals caring for wounded soldiers, it is stated that Chinese wounded at present total 150,000 of [Page 656] which 50,000 are in the north. The number killed is variously estimated at one to every 3, 2 or 1 wounded.
4. Repeated to Peiping, Hankow, Shanghai, Tokyo.