893.00/8–1944: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 19—10: 30 a.m.]
1434. 1. In telegrams August 13 and 14 Consul [at] Tihwa expresses view that Sheng Shih-tsai, fearing National Government may drop him to placate Soviets, arrested Chungking officials in Tihwa largely to demonstrate his independence and hope of being able to prevent his replacement and to assert and assure local autonomy without intention of returning to former alliance with Russians. ReEmbtel 1419, August 16. Consul states Lo Chia-lun, Control Yuan official in Tihwa, still of opinion Sheng preparing to go over to Russians unless Chu Shao-liang who was due to arrive Tihwa 15th makes large concessions in behalf Chungking.
2. Soviet Military Attaché has suggested in informal conversation that Sheng arrested officials in order to have hostages for bargaining purposes with National Government. A reliable Chinese official who returned 3 weeks ago from 6 months visit to Tihwa informs us that in his opinion most plausible explanation of arrests by which Sheng has taken out of office and thrown in jail his best and most reliable subordinates is that they are result of Soviet intrigue, that is, local Soviet officials may in characteristic fashion have had suspicions implanted in Sheng’s mind that these officials were plotting against him in hope that their arrest would force Central Government to take drastic action to replace Sheng. Informant states it is his opinion and that of [Page 810] Chinese in Tihwa generally that there is no likelihood of rapprochement between Sheng and Soviet because of well founded mutual distrust and hatred. He and other Chinese in Tihwa consider Kazak troubles have been instigated by Soviets with specific view of embarrassing Sheng and expediting his removal by Central Government.