893.00/9–947: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:57 p.m.]
1883. Embassy informed by credible source in West Asiatic Department, Foreign Office that General Chang Chih-chung will arrive Nanking within next week. Source states that Chang will probably make recommendations to Government amounting to granting of immediate Sinkiang autonomy. Source believes that Chang’s recommendations will be unacceptable in Nanking and that Chang will request to be relieved of duty in the northwest. Source believes, however, that Chang’s report on Sinkiang may result in early public promise from Nationalist Government of eventual Sinkiang autonomy and some preliminary steps may be taken to establish larger number local people in positions of authority in the province. Source is definitely skeptical that latter course will be carried out.
Sent Dept 1883; repeated Tihwa 156.