893.00 Sinkiang/8–3149: Telegram
The Vice Consul at Tihwa (Mackiernan) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 1—12:19 p. m.]
243. Following information from Foreign Affairs delegate Liu during conversation August 30.
Liu says situation Sinkiang very grave. He expects Ili troops take over Tihwa and other unoccupied portions Sinkiang as soon as formation new Chinese Communist Central Government (expected about September 8) is announced. He states takeover will be unopposed and thinks Tungkan troops under General Ma Cheng-hsiang and Han Yu-chen are planning early retreat to Tsinghai or India. He believes Chinese Communists will not cross Sinkiang–Kansu border, but will leave Sinkiang in hands of Ili group.
Re Chinese Communist Central Government, Liu believes USSR will extend recognition soon as government formed. He expects Madame Sun Yat-sen will play important part in new government.
View Liu’s close contact with Soviets here and past record truthful dealings with American Consulate, his remarks may have some weight.
Sent Department 243; repeated OffEmb Canton 110, Nanking 129.