861.77 Chinese Eastern/313: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
807. Legation’s 793, September 5, 4 p.m.78
- 1.
- Following from Kuo Wen News Agency, Nanking, September 6th:
“At a press interview this morning Dr. C. T. Wang said that the Sino-Russian situation this week is the same as last week and that complete agreement has not yet been reached on the joint declaration to be issued. The Wai Chiao Pu is waiting for further advices from General Chiang Tso-pin, Chinese Minister in Berlin, who is at present in Geneva.
Dr. Wang said that China has no objection to the selection of a new Soviet manager of the Chinese Eastern Railway as this is provided for in the Sino-Russian agreements of 1924 but that the Government maintains that the appointment should not be gazetted until after the formal conference opens. Agreement on this point remains to be reached. Dr. Wang observed that the Sino-Russian agreements confer too great power on the Soviet general manager and make the Chinese president of the railway a mere figurehead. This state of affairs should be remedied. The Minister indicated that at the forthcoming conference the question of the recommendation [redemption?] of the line will be brought up in accordance with provision 2 of article 9 of the Sino-Russian agreement of 1924. Dr. Wang further said [Page 316] that the Wai Chiao Pu had received no such demands from Russia as the removal of the president of the railway.”
- 2.
- Following from Reuters, Nanking, September 8:
“A message received here from Nanking reports that General Chiang Tso-pin, Chinese Minister in Berlin, has wired to the Wai Chiao Pu from Geneva stating that the Soviet Government has withdrawn its demand for the appointment of new manager and assistant manager of the C. E. R. as a preliminary to the opening of formal negotiations between the Soviet and Chinese.
Official circles in Nanking believe that it is only a question of time before an agreement with regard to procedure for settlement of the C. E. R. dispute is reached.”