861.77/684: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in China (Reinsch)
Your February 18, 1 p.m. This government believes that its repeatedly expressed statements apply, namely, that neither the Bolshevik movement nor the presence of international military assistance in Siberia is considered as having modified any previously existing rights by whomsoever held. Consequently in our opinion the status of the Administration of the Chinese Eastern Railway is considered to be that which existed prior to the Bolshevik uprising. This Government has never recognized the administrative board to which you refer, and which was organized subsequent to the Bolshevik uprising of November 1917, as modifying previous existing rights of either Russia or China.
Referring to recent instructions regarding attitude of China on same subject, please take firm position with Chinese Government [Page 598] and say we believe China should cooperate fully and without reservation in making effective the principles agreed upon by Japan and the United States in plan for restoring railways.
Repeat these instructions to Ambassador Morris at Vladivostok together with text of your February 18, 1 P.M. for his information and guidance. Keep him closely advised of all developments.