861.77 Chinese Eastern/469: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Perkins) to the Secretary of State
1042. My 1036, November 24, noon. Following from American Consul at Harbin:
“November 25 [26?], 9 a.m. Arrivals from Hailar confirm the report Chinese garrison Manchuria Station which is in Red hands surrendered or lost near Lake Dalainor. Demoralized troops from Chalainor retreating to Hailar looted all stations en route. Soviet aeroplanes dropped few bombs outskirts Hailar, caused panic among troops who commenced looting foreign and Chinese property and fleeing toward Hingan Mountains. Reliable report states that Chinese military have given orders to destroy Hailar by fire, that native quarter now burning and that inhabitants fleeing over land. It is believed that the Chinese forces west of Hingan Mountains are out of hand and that military headquarters have been established at Bukedu with plans to make a stand at the mountains. Mongol amban and his staff have left Hailar in the direction Hulunarshan. Russian population at Harbin much disturbed. Telegrams only accepted for points to Bukedu. General Wan Fu-lin wired me he ordered military to aid Americans to evacuate from Hailar. If Soviet aeroplanes should bomb troops at Bukedu then there would be grave danger of demoralized soldiers, bent upon looting, retreating to Harbin.”
- Telegram in two sections.↩