761.93/4–2347: Telegram
The Consul General at Dairen (Benninghoff) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 25—10:55 a.m.]
61. Information re Sino-Soviet negotiations still not available here. However, Chinese press reports as contained in Mukden’s 75, April 1971 and previous to Nanking confirm this office’s former belief that Soviets would endeavor impose conditions re takeover which Chinese would find difficult to accept.
Meanwhile preparations for takeover continue. Present local regime reported burning or removing documents Port Arthur. Political prisoners apparently being released. Cooperatives and other official enterprises Dairen dominated by Communists closing. Movement of Communists to Korea or elsewhere continues although reliable reports received by organized underground left in Dairen. Soviets [Page 518] reliably reported told Sino-Communists refrain from violence after takeover (disturbances here would cut down commercial value to Soviets of open port), also over 50 families Japanese technicians [and] specialists transferred Harbin via Korea.
Repeat Nanking, Shanghai, Mukden, Moscow.
- Not printed.↩