893.00/9–248: Telegram
The Consul at Mukden (Rinden) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 2—5:01 a. m.]
361. Source at Harbin (reContel 448 to Embassy, 356 to Department, 191 Peiping) states he heard no mention, saw no evidence Cominform Harbin past year, opines it sub rosa if existent there. Also states at Changwu (42,20122.25) while en route Mukden Chinese railway personnel queried him if Red Russian and upon affirmative answer told him 6 Russians, including 2 officers, passed through Changwu en route Hsinlitun (42,122.04) approximately August 22. On basis other reports, believe these probably members Red Army assigned railway duty and of whom some in railway uniform which similar to military. Active Russian interest Communist railway net Manchuria appears evident if cumulative number reports this subject from varied untried sources can be given some credence. Note development railway Tsitsihar–Hsinlitun would give Communists railhead aimed at Chinchow area and threatening to successfully by-pass National Forces Mukden.
Source also states cordially received as Russian by comparatively small number Chinese and Mongolians met in Communist areas en route Harbin–Mukden via rail through Tsitsihar. Source left Communist railway at Changwu, walked to National railhead at Hsin[min].
Sent Nanking 454; repeated Department 361, Peiping 193. Dept please pass Nanking and Peiping.