861.77 Chinese Eastern/1183: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 12—3:10 a.m.]
423. Following from American Consul General at Harbin:
“May 9, 5 p.m. Local Soviet Consul General has no official information to confirm reports that Soviet Government has offered to sell Chinese Eastern Railway to Japan or anyone else.
Harbin inhabitants, especially those Russians directly or indirectly connected with the railway, very much excited in regard to what will happen if Soviet side does not return rolling stock by May 20th. It appears that Soviet side will not return decapods.
Soviet general manager of the Chinese Eastern Railway today [Page 317] handed report to the Board of Directors setting forth a number of incidents resulting in loss of life and of railway property due to the negligence of Manchukuo to protect the same.”