893.00/9–2347: Telegram
The Consul at Tihwa (Paxton) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:26 p.m.]
49. Gen. Sung says that Osman’s forces have been pushing forward rapidly in Ashan zone and have taken Chingho and Fuwen. In their progress they have killed and captured many of the enemy, seized much booty and accumulated local Kazaks who welcomed Osman’s victories and joined his fighters. One motive for advance was desire of most of Osman’s men to rejoin their families long isolated in the north.
Reference my telegram to Nanking 306, July 19 and despatch to Department 20, June 30.40 Sung states Osman’s reports substantially confirm previous Chinese intelligence (my telegram to Nanking 72, March 641) in regard to Soviet wolfram mines at Fuwen. These he has occupied but apparently not closed. Campaign for Chenghua is now under way and fighting spirit high.
Sung also reports that Soviet CG earlier orally protested Osman’s attack on Ili forces in Ashan as violation of peace agreement, presumably in spirit as no specific mention made therein of truce line or [Page 573] even cessation of hostilities. Chinese replied that his troops have not been, consequently are not, under its control (rather than former justification to me that Osman was attempting to return after having been forcibly expelled from his post as legally appointed zone commissioner, Chuanyuan). Sung admits that Osman’s advance was aided by Chinese materiel but insists no Chinese troops were sent and declares that present drive was disapproved by Chinese.
Sent Embassy 367; repeated Department 49.