793.94/17093: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 22—10:17 p.m.]
1071. Reference previous messages regarding Sinkiang situation. Following is from a well-informed source.
The so-called “Russian Brigade” at Hami is reported to be two regiments of “white” troops recruited by Sheng Shih-tsai some years ago and still under his command. General Ho Yao-tsu was offered chairmanship of Sinkiang Provincial Government but declines to accept post until he is assured control also of troops in the Province. Hence, settlement awaits satisfactory disposition of Sheng’s military forces including the Russian Regiments. National Government places [Page 242] little confidence in Sheng. Chinese Communist members of the Sinkiang Government have been permitted to resign but to remain in Tihwa. It is not anticipated that Soviet Russia will place any obstacles in the way of settlement in Sinkiang.