861a.01/27: Telegram
The Chargé in Japan (Bell) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 29—3:30 a.m.]
114. Following from American consul at Vladivostok:
March 28, 2 p.m. Kozhevnikoff, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Chita government who lives in railway car here, sent wife and children to Shanghai last week. This is doubtless in compliance with instructions. His government has always warned its representative here to be ready to run. Far East Tribune editorial entitled “Will to Struggle” declares that Chita government cannot be realized and an independent government cannot be established while any Japanese forces remain.
Cabinet of provincial administration has been reorganized with minor changes. Its subordination to the Chita government is accepted and it may be an improvement …
Referring to Department’s March 25, 6 p.m. instructing to avoid actions that might be construed as recognition. I have frequently insisted to the Chita representative and all local authorities that this [Page 721] question belongs exclusively to the Department and that representative last week assured me that he understood it. Repeat to Department.