761.93/10–2745: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Robertson) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 28—7:27 a.m.]
1879. Ward reported in telegrams dated October 19 delayed in transmission (one still missing) in substance as follows (Embassy’s 1813, Oct. 17, repeated Moscow):
From informal discussions October 15 between unofficial persons and rebel representatives, it appeared rebels considered themselves representatives of “East Turkestan Republic” and expected to deal with Chinese representatives on basis equality. (Repeated Moscow.) General Chang Chih-chung made it clear, in conversation with Soviet Consul General October 16, that Chinese could not deal with rebel representatives on basis which would amount to recognition their regimes; Soviet Consul General undertook to so inform representatives and, according to Special Commissioner Foreign Affairs, he informed them not only that China would not recognize their regime but also that Soviets would not do so. (Ward informed Oct. 18 by Special Commissioner that Soviet Ambassador’s memorandum of September 17 to Chinese Foreign Office acceding to Chinese request for good offices, which document Chinese consider basis for present conversations, did not propose and Chinese did not contemplate meeting with delegates of an independent state, but rather with delegates of rebellious areas.) Rebel delegates seemed disappointed and answered that, under their instructions, they could not negotiate on such basis. Rebel delegates, accordingly, desired to return to Ining for new instructions; General Chang, Soviet Consul General and Special Commissioner, seemed agreed they should be permitted to depart; Ward commented that further conferences on Oct. 19 might produce some other solution but, unless they did, negotiations might be considered as suspended.
Ward reported October 21 that although rebel delegates planned to return to Tihwa, their departure for Ining might mean breakup of negotiations, situation might then be worse than ever. Ward said Chinese evacuation continued, although at slower pace; rebel preparations at Wusu rumored intensified.
[Page 1018]Ward reported October 24 rebel delegates departed October 22 for Ining, saying they would return probably within 10 days; General Chang remaining Tihwa and Ward said confidence among officials seemed high.