693.0023/8–2747: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Smith) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 27—10:57 a.m.]
2721. Following is Embassy’s translation of note dated August 26 received today from FonOff (Deptel 1588, August 12, Embtel 2642, August 1487).
“…88 in reply to Embassy’s note No. 689, of August 14 on question of opening of Dalny for international commerce has honor to refer to its note No. 103 of February 27, 194789 in which it was stated that status of Dalny is defined by special Soviet-Chinese agreement regarding Dalny of August 14, 1945.
As is known, in accordance with that agreement, Dalny during existence of a state of war with Japan falls under regime which has been set up in the naval base Port Arthur. Inasmuch as state of war with Japan is not terminated because there is as yet no peace treaty with Japan, naturally, regime of the naval base continues to prevail over Dalny.
Considering this circumstance, as well as the fact that civil administration of Chinese Government for reasons beyond Soviet control, has not as yet undertaken fulfillment of its functions in Dalny, the Soviet Government sees no basis for a change of regime which at the present time exists in Dalny. Soviet Government in this connection categorically rejects, in view of above-mentioned circumstances, any attempt to burden it with responsibility for treatment of American interests.”
Department pass to Nanking as 19 and Dairen.