Foreign Relations of the United States, 1947, The Far East: China, Volume VII

761.93/3–2047: Telegram

The Consul General at Dairen (Benninghoff) to the Secretary of State

Dairen, March 20, 1947—3 p.m.
[Received March 24—10:20 a.m.]

39. From attitude Soviet Consul it seems that there is something behind recent rumors of early Nationalist occupation Dairen. However, he would not be specific. He again said Nationalist troops could not enter naval base area because of treaty (refmytel 36, March 15) and saw no provisions in treaty for entry Nationalist troops even into Dairen, as only “administration” is to be Chinese.

Soviets obviously want only handful Nationalist officials in Dairen without troops or even police, which would place Nationalist officials in position similar to present puppets. Soviets can argue they have sole responsibility for defense area as well as military jurisdiction over Dairen as long as “war with Japan” exists, and can point out already organized police force.

Reference Nanking’s 2185 and 30⁶² to Department. This office would appreciate further information attitude Sino Government if available.

Repeat to Nanking, Shanghai, Mukden, Moscow.

Benninghoff

62. Apparently reference numbers garbled.