893.00/2–2448: Telegram
The Ambassador in China ( Stuart ) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 25—11:31 a. m.]
347. C. H. Chen, secretary of Generalissimo, confirmed today that Soviet Military Attaché, General Roschin, had offered Soviet mediation in China. He said that shortly before departure of Roschin, Chinese intelligence had intercepted radio message to Soviet Embassy, Nanking and had succeeded in breaking it. This message, according to Chen, directed change in policy toward China, in an effort to bring about some arrangement between Kuomintang and Communists. Mediation by Soviet Union would be possible, if desired.
Chinese were not surprised, therefore, when in calling upon Chang Chih-chung64 to say goodbye, Roschin had expressed Soviet willingness to arrange peaceful settlement with Communists. Chen stated very emphatically that Chang Chih-chung’s subsequent activities did not have approval of Generalissimo.
Chen thought this move by Soviets was only one element in the larger world picture. Action was under way, he said, to set up puppet regime in Korea and Soviets wished, he believed, to create similar situation Manchuria; thus with the inclusion of Outer Mongolia, completing cordon of buffer states in northeastern Asia. Chen insists that neither Generalissimo nor any other important official Chinese Government desires, or believes possible, accommodation with Communists at this time.
Department please pass Moscow.
- Director of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek’s Northwest Headquarters.↩