861.77 Chinese Eastern/466: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Perkins) to the Secretary of State
1036. My 1033, November 23, noon. Following two telegrams received from American Consul at Harbin:
“November 23, 3 p.m. It would appear that Chinese military intend to withdraw forces to this side of the Hingan Mountains if Red pressure continues. Reliably reported retreating troops have done some looting at Hailar, which place is being evacuated by civilian population. Reds advancing from Mishan toward Muling. No news has been received regarding fate customs and postal staffs, Japanese Consul. John Ganin at Manchuria Station. Reliably reported that Mukden had decided independently commence negotiations through Taoyin Tsai by wireless but recent Red attacks upset this plan. Situation between Hingan Mountains and Manchuria Station serious.”
“November 23, 5 p.m. German Consul General and I together called upon General Chang Ching-hui, civil administrator, who stated that General Wang Shu-ehang, commander of the [apparent omission] army, was holding three brigades Fengtien troops at Harbin to protect this place from attacks by Red forces, brigands or retreating disorderly troops and that there would be no danger to foreign lives and property here. He had no knowledge of the whereabouts of foreign colony of Manchuria Station or troops which left there for Hailar by way of Lake Dalainor. He believed that foreigners were with these troops. He added that there was fighting near Mishan but not at Pogranichnaya and that Fengtien troops were stationed east as far as Imienpo and west as far as Hingan Mountains. He inferred that, inasmuch as Hailar could not be defended, Chinese forces which were not equipped for offensive and did not possess antiaircraft guns or aeroplanes might be forced to retreat to Hingan Mountains. He stated, which is true, that defeats of Chinese forces due to the activities Soviet aeroplanes against which Chinese have no protection. Reliably informed that Soviet aeroplanes commenced dropping bombs at Hailar noon today.
Inhabitants panic stricken and representatives foreign firms have just telegraphed to local consuls to render immediate assistance. Heilungkiang military governor Wan Fu-lin now at Bukedo14.”