893.00/4–1946: Telegram
The Consul General at Mukden (Clubb) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 20—6 a.m.]
41. Official from General Hsiung’s headquarters late last night called first U. S. Army officer and then USIS representative with evident intent lay design for foreign news story regarding manner of fall Changchun which event can now be assumed nearly certain (re Constel April 18, 6 p.m.). He tried impress idea that Soviets had participated, charging specifically that they had directed artillery and had brought train load of Communist reinforcements from Harbin. He stated further that Government troops had captured Soviet troops fighting with Communist troops in trenches.
A desire on part of Chinese to enlist United States against Soviets in Manchuria must be assumed. Would remark in passing re fall Changchun particularly that if Govt. strength was as stated by General Hsiung (Constel April 18, noon) there would have been no need for direct Soviet participation to achieve Communist victory at that point, Would recommend reserve re Chinese charges unless supported by good evidence.
Please repeat Chungking, Peiping.