893.00/12–1747: Telegram
The Consul at Tihwa (Paxton) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 19—12:14 a.m.]
83. Foreign Office representative Liu says that another letter from General Chang in reply to Ili group is being translated into Turki and will shortly be given to Soviet CG for delivery.
Remytel to Nanking 439, repeated Department 70, November 16. Liu characterizes answer as firm since it refuses recall of Chairman Masud on the score that approaching elections will indicate popular choice and requires return of Ili leaders before negotiations will be resumed. Liu states that other choices: Use of force or full acquiescence to Ili demands were rejected by Nanking authorities so this alone remained. However he does not expect Ili leaders to appear here for conference for several months at least and hopes time will be used to improve conditions in remaining 7 zones under Chinese control.
It is doubtful whether provincial administrators generally will have the foresight to use such a fortunate respite for other purposes than their personal profit. The waste of this opportunity may shorten the [Page 587] remaining period of grace before the rest of the natives throughout Sinkiang join in revolt against present government and, working with Ili, attempt to overthrow Chinese rule altogether. They seem likely in this event to be given Soviet support or at least technical and strategical advice.
Sent Nanking 479, repeated Department.