761.03/10–245: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Robertson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:45 p.m.]
1708. Consul Ward at Tihwa reports under date September 30 in substance as follows: General Chu Shao-liang has received telegram that American Military Attaché is proceeding to Tihwa and Ward has been asked to obtain information concerning time of arrival, duration of stay, et cetera (Embassy’s 1664, September 26, repeated to Moscow). Ward states during last two weeks widespread reports have been current regarding imminent visit of American Ambassador to Tihwa; he also reports equally widespread conviction among Chinese in Tihwa that present situation is in reality a conflict with Russia in which United States because of her own alleged conflicts with same power is bound to come to assistance of Chinese; in view of these factors Ward expresses opinion that visit to Tihwa by ranking U.S. official at this time would almost surely have the effect of making Chinese less willing to compromise in forthcoming negotiations and might also exacerbate further Russian feelings already probably ruffled by charges of bad faith and by intense present preparations by Chinese for large scale fighting just after having requested Soviet intercession. Ward accordingly recommends that, unless visit is intended to have first of effects mentioned and is willing to risk second, trip be postponed until such time as negotiations are well under way or until it has become evident that they will not take place or have failed (End Summary).
Sent to Department, repeated to Moscow.
After consulting with Army Headquarters here, we telegraphed Ward October 1 in substance as follows: Ambassador Hurley, who is now in America, had not planned a trip to Tihwa. Military Attaché, Colonel Dusenbury, has for several months been planning a routine trip to Sinkiang. Military Attaché together with Colonel Dickey and Radio Operator Lucas were expecting to leave Chungking by plane tomorrow for Tihwa but in view of your telegrams their departure will be deferred pending further word from you.