893.00/9–1548: Telegram
The Consul General at Tientsin (Smyth) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 15—8:09 a. m.]
260. Remytel 451 [450], to Embassy, September 14.5 Main Communist effort against railway between Shihmen and point few miles east of Changli, stretch of about 25 miles. Communists also said active east of Luan River bridge and landing force damaged two bridges between Kuyeh and Luanhsien.
[Page 460]Heavy Government rail troop movements east through Tientsin yesterday and today, believed 16th Army sent by Fu Tso-yi to assist 62nd and 92nd Armies now in Tangshan in Luanhsien area. Railway opened east to Kuyeh; traffic to Peiping normal.
Military here believe Communist attack designed cut railway to stop Government reinforcements to Manchuria where Communists reported active against railway.
Damage to railway in sector attacked believed serious.
According KMA6 report from Chinwangtao, Changli attacked yesterday morning by Communist 4th Division plus 11th [Regiment], 3 from unidentified formation. Little opposition expected from local volunteer defense force. KMA also reported 60th [Regiment] from new Fifth Army in action against Communists, strength unknown, at Chienwai on railway 25 miles outside Shanhaikwan outside wall. Military confident with arrival Government [Fu’s] troops, Communists will be pushed back.
Sent Nanking 455, repeated Department 260.