701.6193/172: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 3—8 a.m.]
518. The newly appointed Russian Ambassador to China, Mr. Alexander Semenovich Panyushkin, presented his credentials on September 1. In the course of his ceremonial address the Ambassador is quoted in the press as having declared:
“The people of the U. S. S. R. are firmly convinced that the struggle of the great Chinese nation will be crowned with success.
Since the establishment of normal diplomatic relations between the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the Chinese Republic cooperation between the two countries in political, economic and cultural spheres has been developed to their mutual advantage. The conclusion of the commercial treaty between the U. S. S. R. and China will contribute to still closer and more fruitful cooperation and cultural matters.
In the midst of the unusually tense international situation of the present time, the pacific policy of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is united with its friendly assistance to nations subjected to aggression. The Chinese people and Government know that in their heroic struggle for national freedom and independence assistance on the part of the U. S. S. R. has been rendered to them not in words but in deeds.”
In concluding his address the Ambassador requested the Chairman of the National Government of China, Lin Sen, to accept “his hearty [Page 227] wishes for a complete victory to the Chinese nation in its struggle for national independence”.
In his reply Lin Sen said inter alia:
“For the maintenance of its freedom and independence the Republic of China has been resisting armed aggression with all resources at its command. In our difficult and sacred struggle we have received not only unlimited sympathy but also effective assistance from your country. This renders testimony to the stand which the U. S. S. R. has always taken against aggression and supports the firm confidence of the Chinese Government and people that our struggle will end in a glorious victory for China.”
Repeated to Peiping. Peiping please mail copy to Tokyo.