893.00/3–1947: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:30 p.m.]
600. Foreign Minister informed Min[ister]-Coun[selor] that China’s reply to Soviet note regarding Dairen (Embtel 519, March 11, 4 p.m.) will be ready for presentation in a few days and that in meantime instructions have been issued to Commanding General, Manchuria, to make necessary preparations to clear the 30 to 40,000 Communist troops which are located near Dairen-Port Arthur area. Dr. Wang Shih-chieh explained in confidence that, although no date had been fixed, the military operation was planned for next month and that the landing at Dairen from ships of requisite officials and police would be synchronized with the military operation. Upon inquiry he indicated that it had not yet been decided as to whether troops should be included in the sea contingent, but that in any case the Soviet Govt would not be consulted regarding landings but merely notified of Chinese Govt’s intention. In this connection he emphasized [Page 507] the point that he had made to the Soviet Ambassador, namely the fact that Dairen was a free port did not limit China’s sovereignty except so far as import and export levies on goods were concerned. He offered to keep Embassy currently informed of developments.
Dr. Wang touched on the timing of the Russian démarche geared as it was not only to the convening of the Moscow Conference but also to the Communist offensive around Changchun with which the National Armies were and are preoccupied. Nevertheless, he expressed confidence in the news that the second thrust during this month has been beaten back.
Foreign Minister asked me to convey to you his sincere gratitude for the stand you took on Molotov’s proposal regarding China.
Incidentally, Foreign Minister was so bitterly attacked at yesterday’s session of the Central Committee of the Kuomintang on Sino-Soviet treaty and relations that he stated he felt he should resign. Although Gimo is said last night to have assured him of his continuing confidence, Kmt59 delegates talk freely of Wang Shih-chieh being superseded by K. C. Wu60 or Yu Ta-wei.61
Sent Dept 600; Dept please repeat to Moscow as 1 for General Marshall.