893.00/8–2547: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 26—10:23 a.m.]
1798. British Military Attaché states he has been informed by source he considers reliable that primary reason for Generalissimo’s visit to Yenan in early August was to persuade Hu Tsung-nan to release a portion of his troops to reenforce Manchuria but Generalissimo’s efforts were not successful.
Embassy considers that Hu Tsung-nan is faithful to Generalissimo and is likely to remain so even though general disaffection among other military leaders was to reach an acute stage which is not now apparent. However, there is good reason to believe that Hu Tsung-nan would be reluctant to become separated from any of his troops during the uncertain political situation currently prevailing in intramural China. The Embassy therefore believes that the information of the British Military Attaché is probably correct and that the same situation may well apply in the case of Fu Tso-yi.
In any event, the report is indicative of the difficulties facing the Government in attempting to save the Manchurian situation and [Page 263] points up the continuing existence in China of a situation whereby movements of troops of senior commanders are still accomplished largely by negotiations rather than by the issuance of orders.