861.77 Chinese Eastern/402: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:50 p.m.]
911. Following from American Consul at Mukden:
“According to trustworthy information, General Chang Hsuehliang received a communication from President Chiang Kai-shek about a week ago urging him immediately to undertake negotiations with the Soviets in regard to the Chinese Eastern Railway. This move apparently came as a surprise to this government and is explained by the growing embarrassment of the President’s position.
According to strictly confidential information, the local government has already taken steps with a view to bringing up [about] the opening of negotiations with the Soviets.”