893.00/5–1049: Telegram
The Consul General at Hankow (Callanan) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 13—11:38 a. m.]
133. Pai summoned Consuls meeting yesterday. He said acceptance Communist demands unthinkable and war must go on. He said war approaching Wuhan and assured he would protect foreign lives, property while he was in control.
He invited questions and British Consul General asked re British floating equipment on Yangtze. He asserted civilian installations equipment would not be destroyed but military equipment whether Chinese or foreign owned would be treated according military necessity. He said categorically power stations, water works and dykes would not be damaged.
To my query whether fighting was to be expected Wuhan cities, he declined answer on grounds military secrets.
He offered assist foreigners re rail reservations southward, this due military requisition all trains immediate future.
Comment: Consider meeting was Pai’s way saying goodbye to Consuls. We have it clearly thru AMA93 Captain McAllister past few days and from earlier general reports that Pai will not fight in Wuhan. Events on line east-west through Nanchang will dictate timing his withdrawal. At same time General Lu Tao-yuan, Wuhan defense commander, will remain fight rear guard action and may indulge demolitions with or without Pai’s consent.
Reliably reported security committee has and will maintain organized police during interregnum. Pai’s headquarters departing today leaving only command post Wuchang.
Sent Department 133, Nanking 98, AmEmbassy Canton 55.
- Assistant Military Attaché.↩