Foreign Relations of the United States, Diplomatic Papers, 1935, The Far East, Volume III

761.9315 Manchuria/20: Telegram

The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Bullitt) to the Secretary of State

Moscow, October 25, 1935—1 p.m.
[Received 1:45 p.m.]

459. Just before receiving your No. 250, October 23, 5 p.m.,²² I had a long conversation with Stomoniakoff, Vice Commissar for Foreign Affairs in charge of Far Eastern Relations of the Soviet Union. He expressed complete confidence that the Japanese would not make any move against the Soviet Union in the near future. He stated that Japanese communications to the Soviet Foreign Office during the past week had been couched in a tone of unusual reasonableness and friendliness. He attributed this to an alleged decision of the Japanese Government to cultivate—momentarily—friendly relations with the Soviet Union. Outer Mongolia was not mentioned specifically but fell within the scope of Stomoniakoff’s remarks and optimism.

Stomoniakoff alleged that on October 4th the Japanese Ministers of War, Navy, Foreign Affairs and Finance had reached definite agreement not only that Russia should be treated politely but that all possible pressure should be put upon China for the acceptance of certain demands. Stomoniakoff recited these demands in detail, referred to a “Japanese ultimatum” and said that he believed that Chiang Kaishek would be unable to accept and would be compelled to fight. He finally stated that he expected events of the greatest importance in China shortly.

I discussed Stomoniakoff’s statements with Dr. Yen, the Chinese Ambassador here. Yen said that he did not consider the situation nearly so critical as Stomoniakoff had indicated. He said that the “demands” recited by Stomoniakoff had been published in a Shanghai newspaper. (I, therefore, refrain from telegraphing them). He added that there had been no ultimatum and asserted that he had received a personal telegram from T. V. Soong 4 days ago which was not very pessimistic.

Yen said that he agreed with Stomoniakoff that Japanese activities during the next 6 months would be directed against China and not against the Soviet Union. Yen added that 2 days ago he had discussed the situation in Outer Mongolia with the chief expert of the Soviet Foreign Office and that they had agreed that no Japanese action against Outer Mongolia was to be expected this winter.

Bullitt

22. Not printed; it requested information.