740.00119 P.W./10–545: Telegram
The Chargé in the Soviet Union (Kennan) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:34 a.m.]
3459. The following telegram received from Consulate General, Vladivostok, 187, October 2, 11 a.m.:
Recent traveller Moscow to Vladivostok observed two trainloads Jap military prisoners being transported westward but nothing definitely identifiable as war loot of Jap origin. In conversation September 15 chairman Vladivostok City Council indicated it was anticipated Jap war prisoners would be put to work on rehabilitation work. Such prisoners have already been put to work in southern Vladivostok. On 29th there were observed between 1,500 and 2,000 prisoners temporarily camped along road north of city. They had by report of Soviet soldier arrived day before from Korea by steamer. Observed last night tail end of long column of more prisoners being marched through city parallel to port area from which they had probably come. In both cases men carried packs, appeared in good physical condition (both ill or wounded included) and were but lightly guarded. In short they appeared to be good potential labor force. [Page 737] Geographical arrangement of Soviet communications system would naturally result in movement of only small proportion of Soviet war loot through Vladivostok but absolute amount appears of late to be on increase. Rest in mat bags of Jap manufacture and in American sacks this part of loot probably being on State account. Loot presumably belonging to individual soldiers also reached Vladivostok aboard military trains which are, however, unloaded at station immediately outside of town. Soldiers’ loot includes primitive household goods and other personal effects which would not ordinarily be considered worth taking. General indications are that Manchurian population was poor before Soviet forces arrived. It is now poorer still.17