893.2222/8–2147: Telegram
The Consul at Shanghai (Meyer) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 29—2:30 a.m.]
2030. Implementation in Shanghai and surrounding provinces of conscription program instituted under mobilization order is being marked by disgraceful incompetency and corruption on part of authorities and manifested dread of military service on part of people which augur ill for Government’s all-out anti-Communist campaign. Conscripts from surrounding provinces are being brought to Shanghai to await despatch by sea to [northern] war areas. While waiting here they are kept in outlying sections: Kiangwan, Yangtszepoo and Woosung.
Obtainment conscript quotas evidently proving most difficult owing to draft evasion and graft. Thousands of draft dodgers are reported to have fled Shanghai from interior. Private recruiting rings have been organized which make high profit from sale recruits.
Little or no prior provision for handling conscripts here has been made. According to admissions made in press, local organizations formed some 6 weeks ago to handle problem have not even started construction proposed barracks or distribution “comfort funds”, clothes, etc. Press reports recent forcible seizure of local school premises by transient Kweichow and Hupeh contingents and another contingent recently occupied British godown.
Wretched morale, mistreatment of recruits and attempted desertion are commonly reported. When marching through Shanghai recruits have to be roped together. There have been repeated incidents (two well-confirmed) where groups brought here attempted escape and were machinegunned by guards with resultant killings. Successful desertions often deplete quotas. In such cases some contingent commanders have forcibly seized local coolies to replace deserters. This practice has caused furore in Shanghai press and Mayor Wu has personally intervened to stop abuse.
Shanghai quota is 3000 (erroneously given as 30,000 in Consgram 39, July 2451). This disproportionately low figure was evidently so fixed in order avoid (1) disturbing wealthy classes concentrated at Shanghai and (2) recruiting city “bums” who make poorest soldiers. Despite smallness quota not yet reached and 80% of eligibles have applied for exemption.
Sent Nanking 1459, repeated Department.
- Not found in Department files.↩