893.01 Outer Mongolia/45
Memorandum by the First Secretary of the American Embassy in Japan (Dickover) of a Conversation With the First Secretary of the Soviet Embassy (Deitchman)54
In the course of a general discussion today in regard to the North China situation, I asked Mr. Deitchman if the Soviets did not think that the Japanese might be impelled in part, in their efforts to encourage an autonomous state in North China, by a desire to establish a bulwark against the penetration of Communist influence into China, and perhaps, to assure them of a friendly field of operations in case they should find it desirable to oppose the Soviet Union by force of arms at some time in the future. Mr. Deitchman said that the Japanese undoubtedly want to establish a better field for operations against the Soviets, but that in his opinion the Japanese are actuated more, in their activities in North China, by plain imperialism and a desire for economic expansion. He said that the Japanese understand very well that the Soviet Union wants only peace, but is prepared [Page 446] to fight at any time to defend its territory and rights. He said that this is obvious in the way in which the Japanese military treat Outer Mongolia, as compared to the way in which they treated Manchuria and are now treating China.
Mr. Deitchman then discussed the Soviet Union’s attitude toward Outer Mongolia. He said that the Soviet Union considered Outer Mongolia as an independent country, but weak and in need of help. The Soviets were therefore helping the Mongolians, sending them teachers, military instructors, engineers and medical men—the latter to help the Mongolians “to liquidate their syphilis”. But, he said, the Soviet Union is not “neutral” toward Outer Mongolia. That territory represents a great potential danger to the Soviet Union and especially to the Trans-Siberian railway, as there is a very long border between Siberia and Outer Mongolia and the railway is not far from the border. If Outer Mongolia should happen to fall into the hands of a country (such as Japan) which is inimical to the Soviet Union, the latter country would be greatly endangered. Consequently the Soviet Union cannot remain “neutral” as regards Outer Mongolia. But, he said, the Soviet Union does not wish to possess Outer Mongolia. “We have no appetite for more territory”.
- Copy transmitted to the Department by the Chargé in Japan in his despatch No. 1566, November 27; received December 19.↩