893.00/5–448: Telegram
The Consul at Tihwa ( Paxton ) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 6—9:55 a. m.]
50. Reference mytel to Nanking 479, repeated Washington 83, December 17.7 Vice Consul Dreessen was informed by Foreign Office del. Liu, during my absence in South Sinkiang, of recent exchange of notes between the Ili group and General Chang.8 As Liu was endeavoring to provide us with texts, I suggested that report be deferred until my return.
[Page 732]On May 1 he gave me copies of the texts of both which are now being translated.
The main points of the Ili note of February 17 follow:
- (1)
- Accuses Osman and Halibek (see first paragraph mytel to Emb 65, repeated Department 33, March 1,9 and previous) of frequent illegalities and charges Garrison Commander Sung of abetting them and requires that Osman and his followers be arrested and handed over to the Ashan Government for trial by the people and similarly for Halibek;
- (2)
- Reiterates that Sinkiang Progressive elements were arrested by military and police agents in Tihwa, Hami and Nanchiang without legal basis except in eyes of those responsible;
- (3)
- Insists upon removal of Mesud10 as chairman because he is not real leader of the people and his continuation in office can only increase poverty, confusion and misfortune for Sinkiang;
- (4)
- Denies any Ili connection with revolts in Tulufan, Shanshan and Tokohsun which were merely signs of oppression, irresponsibility and illegality by military and police in those areas.
Consequently, before peace negotiations can be resumed persecution of Progressive elements must be stopped, Mesud removed from chairmanship, all imprisoned patriots released, those responsible for their mistreatment punished and Osman and Halibek publicly tried.
Soon after its receipt and translation into Chinese of the Turkish text, a delegation of high Chinese officials flew to Lanchow (see mytel to Emb 75, repeated Department 39, March 119) to consult with General Chaing. His reply dated April 1 summarized as follows: Why did the Ili group not reply to five points for action by the dissidents suggested in General Chang’s December 10 note?9 If they are ready to carry out these minimum requirements for implementing the peace terms, reply is required to show their sincerity in seeking solution along lines agreed to and to clarify their real intention.
This exchange of notes according to several Chinese officials interviewed on subject indicates no amelioration in the situation of deadlock.
Consulate feels that no peaceful improvement can come except through administrative and economic reform. Progress is being made but it seems too slow to prevent collapse of native support in the event of attack with any considerable Soviet support.
That attack is certain this year was prognosticated by several Chinese Army officers interviewed on my trip to Nanchiang, some fee] probably by August.
Sent to Embassy 106, repeated Department 50.