123 Chase, Augustus S.: Telegram
The Consul General at Mukden (Clubb) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 2—6 a.m.]
58. Following from Chase:
“Rigg on his return yesterday reported that his approach for tentative arrangements land plane Harbin was well received by Soviet officials Changchun but completion arrangements with Soviet authorities Harbin was interrupted by breakdown telephone service and now of course rendered impossible by Soviets evacuating Harbin and COMS24 presumably taking over airfields (Emtel 670 [717], April 22 to Department repeated Mukden in Deptel 10, April 2425).
In circumstances would propose that I proceed Harbin soon as transportation available accompanied by Rigg, Chen, and USIS transmitter with personnel needed operate it.
Unless American plane is provided us we face prospects indefinite delay before transportation available. Recommend that Embassy authorize our endeavoring tentatively arranged through Mukden Com-Hqtrs for plane to land Harbin. Contemplated approach would, of course, involve no request for permission proceed Harbin but only informal request for assurance landing arrangements in case flight made. Rigg, on basis his experience and talks with Major General Chou Pao-chung, leader COM forces taking Changchun and commander [Page 1139] all COM forces northeast Manchuria including Harbin, feels prospect good that COMS would be agreeable landing plane.
Clubb also feels above proposals constitute practicable procedure.
Sent Nanking, repeated Department.”
Clubb