893.00 Manchuria/2–1648: Telegram
The Consul General at Peiping (Clubb) to the Secretary of State
Peiping, February
16, 1948—3 p. m.
[Received February 20—11:53 a. m.]
[Received February 20—11:53 a. m.]
84. From Siebens. Various reports obtained by Changchun Consulate during 2 days previous to closing42 concerning developments North Manchuria follow. All reports received from intelligence sources and/or Jap and Chinese sources with connections North Manchuria.
- 1.
- Harbin press gave feature publicity to news of closing American Consulate Changchun and also played up British Consulate that point. News of closing printed in Harbin 2 days after intent to close made known to me, to top officials at Changchun. Reports from various sources at Changchun generally indicate current propaganda line Harbin is that activities Nationalists assuming international character and that Nationalists are going to threaten Soviet Union. Closing Changchun Consulate interpreted at Harbin as indication US expecting unusual military developments Manchuria and preparing for them. Foregoing information in main from 2 apparently unrelated sources, usually reliable.
- 2.
- Since January 15 Soviets have re-armed 1100 odd Russian railway guards on Sino–Soviet railway North Manchuria and about 3000 men left behind in civilian clothes by Soviet Army during Soviet post–VJ Day retirement from Manchuria (that approximately this number men left at Harbin by Soviets has been reported to Changchun office on several occasions during past 18 months). Little attempt being made conceal this re-arming, for reason which given as threatening nature military situation and “international situation”. This report from 2 apparently unrelated sources, previously reliable. Report from another source places number Russians under arms at Harbin 7000 who train Itaoli and Nankan areas of Harbin.
- 3.
- On January 28 approximately 3000 members Soviet Army reputedly arrived at Penian [sic] and Nancheng from Blagoveschensk. [Page 96] This group alleged to have tanks and field guns and scheduled to train Communist troops. This report from one source, previously reliable.
- 4.
- Chinese male recently arrived from Tsitsihar with Jap wife reported to consular employee that large number Soviet troops to be seen Tsitsihar area and approximately 500 Jap troops in Tsitsihar engaged tank and [garble] repair work for Communists. Unable interview this traveller personally due closing of post. Believe this report possibly exaggerated but indicative unusual activity Tsitsihar.
- 5.
- Chinese Communists held full dress political meeting at Chiamussu on about February 21. This information obtained by Jap consular employee who obtained from compatriot key to breaking Communist code in which substantial amount Communist activity reported. Due necessity closing post I was unable monitor results this meeting which were scheduled to be radioed from Chiamussu to other points at midnight February 3.
- 6.
- Communist air force base at Chiamussu recently “borrowed” 6 fighter type aircraft and 7 Russian flight instructors from Soviets in order step up training Communist air force. This information from one source, previously unknown to Changchun office.
- 7.
- 160 drums gasoline arrived at Chiamussu from Soviet Union January 17 and stored that point. This report from one source previously reliable.
- 8.
- (Remytel February 12, 9 a. m. [6 p. m.] from Peiping43). These reports and other more nebulous rumors regarding developments North Manchuria even if true only in part would indicate major political developments in Manchuria may be in offing. Reputed propaganda line Harbin that military situation assuming international significance apparently already may have been used as excuse for the re-arming of certain numbers Soviets North Manchuria and would represent standard tactics Soviet and pro-Soviet Chinese elements to create situation in which rather bold political steps may be taken if and when time considered ripe for such undertaking. As indicative of one possibility, note statement made to me about one month ago by seemingly experienced Manchurian politician regarding effect certain factions Chinese Communists were seriously considering possibility establishing independent Manchurian republic similar to that Outer Mongolia. Such step at this time probably would be dangerous one to overall purpose Chinese Communists to control large areas China proper but possibility it may be undertaken of course must be considered.
Department please repeat to Nanking no. 138. [Siebens.]
Clubb