893.00/9–842: Telegram
The Naval Attaché in China ( McHugh ) to the Chief of Naval Operations ( King )32
On August 30th I was informed very confidentially by Dr. King [Kung] that negotiations were proceeding favorably by Gissimo at Lanchow for the extension of Central Government control over Sinkiang. He strongly intimated that the Russians are not pleased although they are not able to prevent this due to Chinese sovereignty over the area. He further asserted that the Soviets had engineered the murder of the Governor’s brother by his wife as a protest to that official’s visit to Chungking for preliminary talks in June. Dr. King [Kung] said that the Governor would retain his post and province will be opened to travel by foreigners. Central Government troops were standing by in Kensu [Kansu] but had not yet entered the province.
According to another usually reliable source I am now informed that on the 31st of August Madame Chiang arrived Urumchi together with representatives of Gissimo to consummate negotiations. The latter is remaining in Lanchow unable, possibly for reasons of face to go all the way, to meet the subordinate who himself is unable due to local tension to leave his province.
[Page 234]The official party includes Kuomintang officials, military and Foreign Office, all of whom will be stationed here. It is probable that the arrangements will be similar to those in effect in Yunnan.
In the meantime Chiang has invited the Communist leader Mao Tze-tung to come to Lanchow. It is said that the latter is sending Lin Piao his Chief of Staff.
It is indicated at the present time that Gissimo has engineered an outstanding political victory both over the Chinese Reds and Moscow.
- Paraphrase of code telegram transmitted to the Department of State by the Navy Department and received September 8. In telegram No. 1003, September 3, 10 a.m., the Ambassador in China referred to this telegram and added: “Information therein contained has been verified in part by me in conversation with Political Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs. It is believed that the Generalissimo has now proceeded to Urumchi.” (793.94/17089)↩