Foreign Relations of the United States, Diplomatic Papers, 1945, The British Commonwealth, The Far East, Volume VI

740.00119 Control (Korea)/11–945: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman)

Washington, November 9, 1945—8 p.m.

2317. Later information from ComGen USAFIK re Dept tel 2304 Nov 7 indicates that Russian officers and 100 Russian soldiers appeared at Yalu River Plant Nov 6 and issued orders to remove starting Nov 8 two transformers and two generators, each 100,000 KVA,²⁵ and two water turbines. Normally 50 percent of power produced by this plant used in Korea and 50 in Manchuria. August 1945 consumption figures indicate plant furnished 30 percent of power used in present American zone.

Full plant capacity unused since Japanese surrender due to shut down of industry and two units slated for removal are therefore in stand-by status but their removal would have extremely serious future consequences.

In view of important bearing of this matter on commitments of both US and USSR in connection with future Korean development you should, if you have not already done so, make immediate and strong representations in the premises.

Above information being transmitted to American Embassy, Chungking²⁶ for informal and confidential transmittal to Chinese Foreign Office.

Byrnes

25. Kilovolt-amperes, a measure of capacity of electrical power equipment.
26. Telegram 1829, November 9, 8 p.m., not printed.