861.77 Chinese Eastern/372: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 5—7:47 p.m.]
858. Your 319, September 27, 4 p.m. Following from American Consul at Harbin:
“October 3, noon. With Wright, Chicago Daily News, Vice Consul Lilliestrom and Japanese Vice Consul and Japanese journalists visited Russian prisoners of war Sungpei camp yesterday. Conditions improved since last visit Vice Consul Lilliestrom. Food consists of tea, black bread, and vegetables daily with soup every three days. Bathing facilities lacking but will be furnished, women confined and men complained of cold at night and restrictions against using toilet except during exercise periods, three of one-half an hour each per day. No complaints regarding beating or other corresponding treatment recently. The few sick apparently well taken care of by Chinese doctors and Russian nurse.
No reading matter nor letters, church, ventilation bad and buildings damp. Most serious complaint is that prisoners do not know chargé against them and how long they will be detained.
Detailed report by mail.”92