861.77 Chinese Eastern/452: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 20—9 a.m.]
1008. My 1001, November 15, 11 a.m.9 Following from American Consul at Harbin:
“November 18, 3 p.m. Soviet planes bombed, November 16, railway line between Tsagan10, 61 kilometres from Manchuria Station, and Chalainor. Communications in that section broken and trains only proceeding to Hailar. Unconfirmed reports state that heavy fighting last two days Manchuria Station which partially destroyed and that Chalainor coal mines ruined. On 19th large number Soviet planes reached Mutanchiang, 191 kilometres from Pogranichnaya. Unconfirmed reports state that they destroyed Chinese depot there where stored 14 aeroplanes. Russian population [apparent omission] Harbin.”