811.20293/6–2149: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 22—1:16 a. m.]
1341. ReEmbtel 1330, June 30. [Here follows a reference to Chinese Communist allegations about American activities in Manchuria and the question to what extent they were voluntarily terminated as the collapse of Manchuria became more imminent.]
There is also considerable element of falsehood in Communist claims … Activity in Manchuria was directed against USSR, not “Chinese people”. Much of it was hang-over from Japanese war and was not at all concerned with CCP. Broadcast partly supports this by reference to American espionage in Inner Mongolia.
On balance it seems to us that probably preponderant factor behind Communist charges are desires to impugn American motives in China, to rationalize their conduct toward staff Consulate General, Mukden, to denigrate reports Ward will make when he leaves Mukden and possibly to smooth way for further restrictions against other American consular offices and perhaps even this Embassy. It seems to us furthermore that whole tenor of charges and attention to detail show Soviet influence.
In latter connection we suggest release of charges at this late date was possibly occasioned by Soviet-controlled Chinese Communists in Mukden feeling impelled to justify to more independent China, that is North China, their arrogant treatment of our consular staff which will redound so to their disadvantage once Ward is free to tell his story. As corollary, possibly Communist accusations signify our Mukden staff is going shortly to receive more assistance in its withdrawal than it has hitherto experienced.
Sent Department 1341, repeated Shanghai 733, OffEmb Canton 569, Peiping 230.