893.00/9–2044: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:04 a.m.]
1584. 1. Following summarized from Tihwa’s airgrams September 5th and 8th and telegram 13th:
According informed source, Chungking officials arrested in Tihwa were “tried” before Chu Shao-liang, Sheng Shih-tsai and Communications Vice Minister Hsu [on] 6th, having signed confessions of participation in plot to set up Soviet republic in Sinkiang. Later reported provincial Kuomintang Director and Reconstruction Commissioner to be sent Chungking for trial if Generalissimo ascertains Tihwa findings warrant such action. Consul expressed belief that while such plot may have existed reconstruction commissioner could scarcely have been party thereto despite signed confession. Soviet Consul General [at] Tihwa, who announced he was leaving September 5 on permanent transfer, voiced skepticism whether change of chairmen would bring improvement of Sino-Soviet relations in Sinkiang. Smith expects no major improvement Sinkiang conditions and expressed opinion Sino-Soviet struggle for its control and resources will continue for sometime, however. Under cover of superficially better relations Chungking troops have recently arrived in Tihwa from Hami and reportedly large force National Government Secret Service agents is being sent Tihwa.
2. Sheng Shih-tsai assumed Ministership of Agriculture and Forestry [on] 18th.