893.00/7–2148: Telegram
The Consul General at Muhden (Ward) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 22—8:37 a, m.]
303. After several months’ lull in military activity in areas south Mukden, Government forces on 15 July began offensive action. In well planned and coordinated attack, Government units struck southwards attempting trap Communist forces in Liaoyang. Communists withdrew and Government recaptured city without difficulty. Strong Government advance units then penetrated southwards to Lishan. Other smaller Government units now making minor raids in areas southwards to Newchwang. Simultaneously with south drives, Government troops in Tiehling area north Mukden and Hsinmin area west Mukden sent raiding units northwards. Attacks planned so no unit remains more than 3 days’ marching distance from Mukden. No intention presently open Mukden-Yingkow corridor.
[Page 374]Main purpose these Government attacks to attempt entice Communists’ attacks on Government strong point Mukden area so that Government could counterattack and inflict heavy losses. Communists have failed to do this. Secondary purpose attacks gather wheat recently harvested. Government claims this successful. State primary drive secured enough wheat maintain entire army next 4½ months when used with supplies already in storage and in addition sufficient wheat secured feed entire population Mukden area until kaoliang crop harvested October. Although Chief Staff NEBSH13 states kaoliang crop only and immediate Mukden area unusually good and while not adequate for needs will be sufficient keep Mukden population alive until next spring, his statement seem overoptimistic even for the starvation diet now common this besieged area.
Sent Nanking 385, repeated Department 303.
- Northeast Bandit Suppression Headquarters.↩