893.00/6–1847: Telegram
The Consul General at Mukden (Ward) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 19—1:18 a.m.]
101. Commission which returned Mukden several days ago and has been engaged in writing report, proceeding Nanking by air this p.m. to present report. Chang, Mukden representative of Minister Foreign Affairs, visited Benninghoff, Dairen, who has undoubtedly reported activities Commission, but in event telecommunications with Dairen have been interrupted following may be of interest:
Vessel transporting Commission permitted visit Port Arthur only. Commission visited Dairen and Chinhsien by rail and auto.
Russians endeavored have Commission enter into negotiations with Dairen puppet government, Commission willing meet members puppet government as local residents but declined meet them as authorities. Chang states almost all members [are] puppet government with exception of senior member who is old resident businessman and who worked closely with Japs and Communists.
Parleys with Russians remain deadlocked because Soviet unwillingness admit Chinese armed forces to former leased territory so long as war with Japan exists. Leased territory formerly divided into three administrative districts (Port Arthur, [Dairen?] and Chinhsien) [Page 525] but Russians now have four, Port Arthur, Chinhsien, Dairen township and Dairen City, city itself being only part they [are] willing transfer to Chinese, remaining three having been incorporated into single military district. Chinese unwilling recognize such delimitation, maintaining military district should not extend beyond Port Arthur.
Chang states Consulate General effectively isolated from local contacts. Benninghoff request travel Port Arthur return Chang was refused.