761.93/8–545: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Hurley) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 5—8:37 a.m.]
1287. From T. V. Soong.
“In accordance with my previous understanding, Molotov has requested me to proceed to Moscow immediately. I am leaving for Moscow, 5 August, with Soviet Ambassador. (Signed) Soong”.
Soong left by plane this morning with Soviet Ambassador and Dr. Wang Shih-chieh, new Minister for Foreign Affairs, and also more [Page 955] assistants than last time. The points still at issue between China and Soviet fully set out in previous messages, especially Generalissimo’s message, No. 191752, 19 July, to President giving substance of Generalissimo’s message to Marshal Stalin. In addition to what was heretofore reported, Dr. Soong told me last night that:
- (1).
- China will agree to entrust defense of Port Arthur to Soviet but will require establishment of Sino-Soviet military council which will work out joint use of port.
- (2).
- Soviet has made new demand that China agree not to fortify islands for a hundred miles south of Port Arthur. Dr. Soong said China will not agree to new demands by Russia and will maintain China’s right to fortify islands south of Port Arthur without Soviet’s consent. Soong stated if China would consent to this last demand on the part of the Soviet it would be tantamount to giving Soviet complete control of the Gulf of Pechili. Notwithstanding Dr. Soong’s personal attitude and the various precautions he has taken to avoid personal responsibility, we are convinced that the Generalissimo is demanding that an amicable agreement be reached immediately with Soviets on the basic essentials of the Yalta decisions though not in the words of the document.