761.98 Manchuria/112: Telegram
The First Secretary of Embassy in China ( Salisbury ) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 16—7 a.m.]
447. Following from Mukden:
“July 15, 6 p.m. 49. According to urgent Kokutsu reports, Hsinkingis greatly aroused over occupation on 12th and fortification since by Soviet soldiers of a hill 4 kilometres within Manchurian territory 40 kilometres slightly east of south of Hunchun commanding Tumen Railroad. Reports say that 30 Russian soldiers are now completing defenses ot occupied point supported by detachments on east and northern slopes within Soviet territory who also are erecting defenses. Reports add that Hsinking has protested to Soviet Consul General at Harbin and requested withdrawal invading forces.
I am reliably informed Manchurian tribes [Government?] regards Soviet action as direct challenge and is ready to use force if invaders do not withdraw.”