893.00/12–2247: Telegram
The Consul at Tihwa (Paxton) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 23—4:22 a.m.]
85. Certain Sinkiang elements are rumored to be favoring closer relations with bordering Muslim states of Afghanistan and Pakistan in order to escape dilemma of choice between present alleged Chinese oppression and supposed Russian plans for absorption of this area. Any available information as to attitude of first two nations toward USSR and estimate of future prospects of their entry into Soviet sphere would accordingly be appreciated.
Opposition to new direction of policy is to be expected from far-sighted natives on score that region needs quicker help in development of economic possibilities than is likely to come from such backward nations and that it would be better to choose between the known evils of the two large powers than to gamble on dubious benefits hoped for from the smaller ones, despite their religious, cultural affinity with the latter.