740.00119 PW/3–646: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in China (Smyth) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 6—12:55 p.m.]
437. During a conversation this afternoon with Foreign Minister Wang Shih-chieh, he referred to a Central News report from Washington dated March 5 and published here today concerning release by State Department34 of Secretary’s notes to Chungking and Moscow on Manchuria and excerpts from Chinese reply; the news report stated that “Russia has also replied to Byrnes’ note.” Dr. Wang said that he would appreciate very much receiving any information Department might wish to make available concerning Russian reply in question.
Dr. Wang then remarked that on three occasions he had inquired of Soviet Ambassador Petrov as to date on which Russian troops would leave Manchuria but that each time Petrov replied he had no information. Dr. Wang said that Chinese Government was now considering sending a note to Soviet Government, formally requesting that Russian troops leave Manchuria immediately. He said he would keep us informed of developments.
Dr. Wang appeared considerably heartened by recent attitude of Soviet Government.
- Department of State Bulletin, March 17, 1946, p. 448.↩