893.00/5–2249: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cabot) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 22—8:15 a. m.]
1775. Communist strategy still seems directed to moving pressure further south with resultant increased action last night against Nationalist lines in west (Nansiang), southwest (Hungjao) and south southeast (Lunghwa and return eastward across Whangpoo) which [Page 340] gained Communists full control Chipao and CAT35 airfield to point mile or two east of field along Hungjao road. Nationalists still hold Lunghua field with CATC36 and CNAC37 planes taking on passengers, thereafter bringing ammunition to Kiangwan field. However, troops of 38th Army which took over defense Lunghua field from 75th Army reported busy looting cargoes and supplies at field. Nationalists seem still holding well Woosung and north Pootung areas and general military situation around city shows little surface change; but evidence growing Communist numerical superiority and Nationalist vulnerability to attack from southwest and east suggests that any considerable further delay in Communist capture city may be attributable less to Nationalist resistance than to Communist unreadiness take over.
Kiangnan dockyard destroyed by explosions about dawn today evidently deliberate demolition by Nationalists as expected, possibly hastened by Communist threat at immediate opposite Pootung shore. Well-connected source feels Nationalists no longer planning demolish utilities but still may blow factories. Destruction and removal government files in Kiangwan and city sectors under way.
Ex-settlement-concession areas continue superficially quiet, only noticeable change being extensive conscription civilian labor gangs in heart city which hitherto only reported in suburbs.
Generalissimo reported now at Kiangwan.
Sent Department 1775, repeated Nanking 978, EmbCanton 516.