861.77 Chinese Eastern/464: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Perkins) to the Secretary of State
1033. My 1011, November 20, 3 p.m. Following from American Consul at Hankow [Harbin]:
“November 22, 4 p.m. Further reports indicate Red forces with the aeroplanes did considerable damage to Chinese forces; to railway between Manchuria Station and Tsagan; and to Chalainor mines where electric plant machinery destroyed, resulting in flooding of mines and drowning of hundreds employees who had taken refuge underground. There are unconfirmed reports of annihilation four echelons Chinece forces by Soviet aeroplanes at station Tsagan. There is one American citizen John Ganin at Manchuria Station but conditions there unknown due to the breakage telegraphic communication with that place. Mishan has fallen into Red hands. Attempts have been made to destroy Muling coal mines, and raids have been made on Chinese towns on the Argun River which now frozen. Hailar panicstricken [Page 347] inhabitants fear retreat of Chinese forces to that place and farther east. Postal staff and Chinese officials are about to leave Hailar. Later reports indicate that Chinese inhabitants have withdrawn from Manchuria Station to the empty shores of Lake Dalainor pursued by Red forces and that entire district between Manchuria Station and Horhonte is in Red hands. Many freight cars are being sent today to Hailar in anticipation of the evacuation of troops and inhabitants there.”
- Telegram in two sections.↩