121.893/8–2047: Telegram
The Consul General at Mukden (Ward) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 21—4:23 a.m.]
217. Local reactions toward Wedemeyer mission. Military and political clique led by Hsiung4 obviously disappointed inability monopolize mission and to control its contacts. Inasmuch as Hsiung had taken great pains to have persons selected by him coached in presentation information according his light, his inability control contacts available Wedemeyer, and the patently inaccurate information which he himself advanced to Wedemeyer in presence Chinese officials and influential banker has redounded to his discredit in local circles.
Chinese industrialists impressed by desire of mission obtain facts good or bad, and at lack of interest in “Hsiung inspired” propaganda they first attempted to pass on particularly so far as Russian aid to [Page 735] Communists concerned. All were impressed with background knowledge of mission.
Visit pleased native northeasterners more than others. Their representative given hour Wedemeyer’s time where he was allowed to present northeasterns’ views without interference. Mission definitely bolstered their morale in that for first time they feel their grievances, solutions to problems and ideas will get through Generalissimo.
Ordinary persons impressed with lack of ostentation displayed by mission. Felt that mission here to accomplish something. Were impressed by inability Hsiung clique control mission’s activities despite elaborate preparations made toward that end.
Foreign community, particularly American, most favorably impressed with background knowledge, desire for facts, and that Chinese were not afforded opportunity to sway mission through elaborate entertainment and pressure tactics. Deepest impression made by mission in short time grasping ideas of local residents and officials. Openmindedness and desires for facts appreciated.
Common foreign and Chinese criticism not enough time spent to obtain and verify information submitted to it, in fact in this regard some Chinese have voiced opinion that mission has made its decision before coming Mukden and was therefore not interested in making other than token visit Manchuria.
Sent Embassy as 343; repeated Dept as 217.
- Gen. Hsiung Shih-hui, Director of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek’s Headquarters in the Northeast.↩