893.00/7–1648: Telegram
The Consul General at Mukden (Ward) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 16—8:23 a. m.]
296. Wei opened southward pre-dawn drive yesterday on Liaoyang 41.15, 123.10, with three armies in effort close pincers south of Liaoyang and capture Communist 4th column but concentration Government forces on 14th became known to Communists and 4th column slipped out of trap and withdrew southwards along railway to vicinity Kaiping. Government forces captured Liaoyang and now before Anshan. Inasmuch primary purpose offensive has failed [it] is generally believed Wei will convert drive into wheat gathering raid. Liao River valley is second only to the Heilungkiang area as Manchurian [Page 363] wheat growing area and wheat now being harvested. No indication Wei will rush present drive farther south than Haicheng.
Sent Embassy 378, repeated Department 296.
Department pass Nanking.