893.00/5–449: Telegram
The Consul at Tsingtao (Strong) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 4—2:41 p. m.]
173. Local military and economic situation steadily deteriorating. Nationalist lines withdrawn to inner defenses near airfields with few lightly-held points in forward areas. Several engagements in increasing size occurred during past week involving up to 600 Communists. Estimated 35,000 Nationalist troops of which 6,000 PPC’s82 worthless, 7,000 of Thirty-two Army largely unreliable (4,000 desertions recently), 22,000 Fifty Army of questionable morale. Despite fact silver brought here 3 weeks ago for purpose, troops unpaid for some time. Chinese commander states food for troops will last only until May 20.
Seven B–24’s bombed airfields Mukden from Tsingtao May 3 and 4, claiming several aircraft destroyed on ground and hits on hangars.
Textile mills closed 2 weeks ago, business virtually at standstill, acute money shortage, thousands of government workers unpaid for long period believed near strike. Four thousand military police in city [Page 290] to maintain order, principally in industrial area in northern part of city. Coal supply for 1 week only but hopeful 7,000 tons Japanese coal within 10 days. Small shipments US cotton due later in May. Governor Chin Teh-chun understand still attempting obtain funds Shanghai for government operations here.
Gen Liu An-chi visiting Generalissimo’s headquarters today at latter’s urgent request to discuss Tsingtao. Liu understood to believe he will be ordered out though decision may hang on what they think US Navy plans.
Current estimates give Tsingtao from 2 to 6 weeks before “liberation.”
Sent Nanking 135; OffEmb Canton 42; Department 173.
- Peace Preservation Corps.↩