893.00/4–945: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Atcheson) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 9—12:16 p.m.]
599. Following is substance of portion of telegram dated April 6 from Stevens at Lanchow:
It is rumored in Chinese circles in Lanchow that USSR has offered to assist Chinese in suppression of Sinkiang insurgents and to supply Chinese with motor trucks, provided Chinese (1) grant USSR navigation rights on Hi River, petroleum and gold mining concessions, and right to construct railway from Hi to Soviet border, and (2) open Hi as commercial port. Soviet Secretary at Lanchow professed to have no knowledge of these rumors but his subordinates hinted that there might be some basis for them.
Sent to Department as 599, April 9, 2 p.m., and repeated to Moscow.
Embassy is reporting above for what it may be.