893.00/12–2345: Telegram
The Consul at Tsingtao (Meyer) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 11, 1946—11 p.m.]
1. Situation report for December:
Municipal Govt, Tsingtao, is exercising normal control without much difficulty but petty looting vacant Allied property by local populace and irregular seizure enemy property by local officials continue to some extent. Measures to restrict enemy nationals by Chinese and American military authorities are just now being put into effect. No critical food problem at present but coal supply for public utilities will be exhausted within 3 weeks unless new supplies are received. Trade and industry are at a standstill.
Chefoo is still in the undisputed control of the Communists.
American sources report conditions at Tsinan bad, with division of authority and dissension between Chinese military and civil authorities and constant serious threat from nearby strong units of Communists.
Sent to Chungking, repeated to Dept and Shanghai.
Railways in Shantung inoperative except for short stretches. Chinese report advance units of National Eighth Army nearing Weihsien en route Tsinan. Unless Communist opposition to its forward movement ceases, little likelihood it will be able reach destination. Little possibility therefore of re-establishment of rail transportation between Tsingtao and Tsinan near future. Extensive repairs will be necessary before normal operations will be possible.
Six thousand Japanese troops have arrived Tsingtao from Tsinan overland for repatriation. Repatriation of Japs from Tsingtao proceeding at limited rate.
Three American aviators who made forced landings in interior recently delivered to Marine authorities by Communists. Impression made [by] Communists on aviators and rescue party extremely favorable. Communist attitude recently changed to friendliness toward the U. S. A. They are reported superior in numbers and quality to National Govt troops in this area.