740.00119PW/3–546: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in China (Smyth) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:45 a.m.]
427. Progress Central Government reoccupation Manchuria negative. Communist–Kuomintang fighting continues in Liaoning but no real change evident since middle February. No further withdrawal Russian troops reported. Chinese G–2 reports arrival Manchuria by sea from Shantung [of] Communist reinforcements in considerable numbers.
Inner Mongolia and North China relatively quiet. Unconfirmed Chinese G–2 reports continue to place strong Russian forces in Chahar north of Great Wall. (Summary Military Attaché’s report week ending March 1st.) Northern Honan and Shansi continue to be areas of tension. Chinese G–2 reports build-up of Communist strength in Honan near Anyang and area northwest and west of Hsinhsiang. In southeastern Shansi, Communists accuse Yen Hsi-shan of mounting offensive against their forces. In southwestern Shansi, Communists reported continuing efforts expand control along Tung-Pu railway in Houma area. Communist forces Shantung reported concentrated [garbled group] zones especially neighborhood Tsinan.
Total Japanese repatriated from China Theater as of 15 February was 406,161; military 271,298; 134,863 civilian.