861.77 Chinese Eastern/28: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Minister in China ( MacMurray )

231. 1. An Associated Press telegram, dated Tokyo, July 12, stated that information from Harbin is to the effect that, in view of the probability of a tie-up on the Chinese Eastern Railway, the Harbin consular body is considering mediation to seek a peaceable settlement.

2. Whatever precedent may exist for participation by the American Consul at Harbin in representations designed to keep the Chinese Eastern Railway open to traffic, the Department does not deem it expedient that the Consul should participate, unless instructed by the Department, in any attempt to adjust the dispute between Soviet Russia and China in connection with the Chinese Eastern Railway.

Stimson