861.77 Chinese Eastern/451: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:20 p.m.]
1006. Legation’s 975, November 9, 1 p.m. In a despatch dated November 15 American Consul, Mukden, reports that no reply has been received from Karakhan to the telegram sent October 29. A second telegram was sent on November 7th inquiring if the Mukden authorities could expect a repetition of the Soviet Government’s requirements on August 29 as they had not yet been received. Myers continues:
“No answer to [any of] these telegrams is now expected. It is believed that the Soviet Government intends to await the outcome of the present conflict between the Nanking Government forces and the Kuominchun before resuming conversations with the Chinese authorities and possibly intends in the meantime to invade and occupy Chinese territory. The ominous character of the situation is undoubtedly causing considerable anxiety in official circles.
That the Chinese authorities in Manchuria are anxious to make a reasonable settlement of this issue there can be little [doubt]. However, their efforts at bringing about a resumption of negotiations have thus far failed and under the circumstances the means of obtaining their object seems to be wanting.”