861.77 Chinese Eastern/197: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 13—8:50 a.m.]
700. Legation’s 695, August 10, noon. Following from American Consul at Harbin:
“August 12, 4 p.m. Letters August 8–9 from Suifenho indicate Soviet forces have recommenced airplane and firing demonstrations which are causing panic among inhabitants. Chinese military there have advised Chinese Customs staff to withdraw but have ordered railway and telegraph employees stay. Large quantities explosives placed on Chinese Eastern Railway rails near that place which has caused Chinese military fear that their retreat might any time be cut off. Reliably reported from Manchuria Station that Soviet side refuses to negotiate with Chu because he is representative Nanking with whom Soviet has had no diplomatic relations. About thousand Chinese troops have been moved up from Chalainor to Manchuria Station causing apprehension there. Situation Hailar quiet. American eyewitness recently returned from Vladivostock states that reports [Page 276] of mutiny among Soviet troops untrue. They are well equipped and well disciplined, more being called up and Russian islands being heavily fortified. Civilian inhabitants poorly fed and steamers idle in harbor.”