740.00119PW/2–2846: Telegram
The Chargé in the Soviet Union (Kennan) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 28—9:50 p.m.]
579. Soviet press Feb. 27 carries statement made to Changchun papers by General Trotsenko, Chief of Staff to Malinovski, refuting reports in certain organs of Chinese and foreign press of intentional delays in withdrawal of Soviet troops from Manchuria. These reports are described as “fruit of slanderous machinations of reactionary anti-democratic elements hostile to Soviet Union, thereby attempting to destroy confidence and friendly feelings of Chinese Govt, towards Red Army.”
Withdrawal of Soviet troops was begun in November, but in response to two requests of Chinese Govt, was stopped and postponed until Feb. 1. Withdrawal was resumed Jan. 15 and is now continuing so that considerable proportion of Soviet troops have already left Manchuria. However, withdrawal is somewhat delayed because Chinese Govt, troops are moving extremely slowly into evacuated districts. In number of cases there has been no one to whom Soviet Command could turn over territory. It is recalled that Chinese authorities last fall complained that Soviet troops were withdrawing without awaiting arrival of Chinese troops; that Jap destroyed railways and rolling stock in Manchuria; that lack of coal and winter conditions have seriously impeded normal railway traffic; and that [Page 448] bandit remnants of Jap and puppet armies hinder communications by diversionary acts.
Nevertheless Soviet Command estimates it will complete withdrawal of its troops from Manchuria before or in any case not later than date when U. S. Command will be able to withdraw its troops from China.
Sent Dept as 579, repeated Chungking as 31, and Frankfurt.