861.77 Chinese Eastern/215: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7:15 p.m.]
[729.] Legation’s 727, August 18, noon. Following from the American Consul at Mukden:
“August 17, noon. Have learned confidentially that a telegram has been received by the Government this morning that Soviet troops started bombarding Manchuria Station 3 o’clock this morning. Matter being investigated; will report any further particulars obtained.”
“August 17, 10 p.m. Referring to my despatch of August 17, noon. Official telegram from Tsitsihar received by Government this afternoon states that 10,000 Soviet troops with 30 field pieces and machine guns crossed border and attacked between Manchuli and Chalainor. Fifty Chinese soldiers killed. Semiofficial source states Mukden sending 40,000 troops north, half to western and half to eastern front.”