740.00119 PW/3–2646: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Josselyn) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7:25 p.m.]
517. For Military Attaché from Rigg,46 Mukden.
“Onion 21. Soviet troops withdrawing from Changchun. Malinovsky’s headquarters reported already left. No indications Russians are leaving Harbin. Chinese military in Mukden complaining of too rapid Soviet withdrawal from Changchun plus usual failure of Soviets to inform them. Blue’s47 Chief of Staff at Changchun reported to have ordered Central Government agencies to return Peiping [Page 601] as his military was to retreat south. However, Blue Headquarters denies report here (sent to Embassy as 245, March 26, 6 p.m., repeated to Dept. as 517, copies by courier to Nanking, Peiping and Tientsin) admits possibility some army officers fleeing in fear Reds may arrive before Blue’s army can. Indications that Reds can occupy Changchun before Blue army marching from Mukden can reach there. Chinese Headquarters Mukden estimates it will be 2 weeks before troops near Ssupingkai can reach Changchun and I estimate they correct in saying that Ssupingkai can be taken from Reds within 5 days. Sushan was taken from Reds.
According reliable Soviet sources, Soviet Union has submitted protest to Chinese Govt, over failure of nationalist military to provide security of Changchun Chinese railway. Note reportedly states that China and Russia each lose 26 million Manchurian dollars daily as long as railway does not operate. Russia asks to be permitted to garrison 6,000 troops in Mukden and proportionate number Russian soldiers at other railway town so as to protect rail lines.
Trains still not running north or south from Mukden. Nationalist forces moving north on foot. Badly handicapped by lack motor transport. This details last message.”