861.77 Chinese Eastern/668: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Perkins) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 11—9:45 p.m.]
1120. Following from American Consul at Harbin:
“December 9, 5 p.m. Chinese officials connected with the railway dejected. It would appear that the Chinese authorities in general are willing to grant any Soviet demands in order to restore normal conditions in North Manchuria. It is reported that a Soviet armored train has come as far east as station Charomte [Chalamute] and the [that?] Red Mongol cavalry detachments are moving about near Hailar Station. There is some uneasiness in regard to how successful the authorities will be in sending south superfluous troops including enormous number out of hand, many of whom will become brigands, and in regard to taking care of the thousands of penniless Russian and Chinese refugees who are moving down the railway line and into Harbin.”