893.00/7–3045: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Hurley) to the Secretary of State 2
[Received July 31—3 a.m.]
1255. Since the appearance of sensational accounts in the Yenan radio July 25 of large scale clashes between Communist and Government forces north of Sian, the Embassy has been endeavoring to obtain reliable information as to what actually has occurred. Army G–2 here has thus far been unable to provide the desired information.
On July 25 the Embassy telegraphed Secretary Rice at Sian, requesting a summary of any information he might have. His reply dated July 28 and received today follows:
“Regular troops were suppressing militia revolt northwest of Sian. Though trouble not of Communist origin, militia apparently went over to Reds. Degree of participation of Communist troops is [in?] subsequent fighting not clear. Original lines now approximately restored.”
Embassy also received today from Rice despatch No. 246 of July 23 (copy of which went forward to Department by pouch today)3 giving some background information obtained from First War Zone sources, a summary of which follows:
Commanders of three provincial peace preservation corps (militia), who were about to be relieved of their posts, revolted June 28 and created local disturbances at Chunhwa, Shensi, just this side of what had long been the border between Communist and Government controlled territory. Shortly after outbreak of revolt, authorities at Sian began moving troops of 59th Division from Sian towards Chunhwa. Revolting officers then realized their position was impossible and decided, either before or after a certain amount of fighting, to join the Communists. They and such Communists as had entered Chunhwa have now withdrawn northwards. Rice states that the Chief of Staff, First War Zone, does not confirm detailed accounts given American officers by an officer of First War Zone staff of Communist columns moving southwards and threatening Sian. Chief of [Page 441] Staff states that another body of troops, belonging to 17th Division of 38th Army has gone over to the Communists within past few days. End of summary.
Both Government and Communist spokesmen have made claims that the other side is to blame for the trouble, but from Rice’s report it would appear that the affair was not premeditated by either side and was caused by the provincial militia revolt mentioned above.
Embassy will endeavor to obtain and report further information on this matter.