893.00/4–3047: Airgram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 7—9:28 a.m.]
A–85. Ref. Embassy’s airgram A–78, April 25, 1947, following is Tihwa’s telegram 159, April 21, 3 p.m.:
“Section 4, mytel 150 April 18. Polinoff18 (See pg. 8 Ward’s despatch 2, Dec. 10,19 and telegrams 4–6, November 17 and 18, all 194420), apparently the military brains of the Hi group in their revolt, though still claims to be ‘White Russian’, seems to have been in USSR 1940–44 for further strategic studies (after imprisonment by Sheng) and it is clear that his European associates have, to say the least, not often been in opposition to current Soviet policy. Most are perhaps soldiers of fortune with no stake in either state who are merely serving Soviet purposes at their own present convenience. The label of ‘White’ is no sure indication of side which each support at any given time, past, present, or future,”
Following is Tihwa’s telegram 160, April 22, 8 a.m.:
“Section 5, mytel 150 April 18. Irregularities in Soviet citizenship practices seem established beyond cavil. Chairman recently remarked in this connection, ‘The land is ours but they are making the people theirs.’ (Soviet record elsewhere indicates little reluctance to support an additional neighboring territory ‘popular demand’ for union with racial brethren across the border.)
“Chairman added three groups are now here: Pro-Soviets, who work for incorporation USSR; reactionaries who consider Sinkiang ‘just another Chinese province’ with certain lawless elements needing discipline; and those who recognize that this area presents a distinct cultural problem called for special treatment.”
Following is Tihwa’s telegram 161, April 22, 9 a.m.:
“Section 6, mytel 150 April 18. When asked if there was another group who seek independence without alliance with USSR he denied its existence. Chang claims that the third group has his full support. [Page 554] These last he holds are racing against time on a basis of justice and permanence. The first two, from opposing motives but to the same effect, are blocking each forward step and the sands are running out. End. Paxton”