Cable, Summary of Averell Harriman Meeting with Stalin and T. V. Soong

PARAPHRASE OF NAVY CABLE FROM MOSCOW JULY 3, 1945

TOP SECRET

FROM W. A. HARRIMAN TO

THE PRESIDENT AND THE SECRETARY OF STATE

Stalin, in discussing the operation of the Chinese Eastern and South Manchurian railroads, proposed that the ownership of the railroads should be Russian, that they should be operated by a joint Soviet-Chinese board, but that the management should be Russian. Soong contended that the ownership of the railroads should be Chinese and that they should be operated by a Soviet-Chinese company with joint responsibility and a mixed management, partly Chinese and partly Russian. Stalin indicated that he was not interested in the subsidiary lines, but only in the main lines. However, Molotov raised the question of control of the coal production for the operation of the railroad. Stalin agreed that Russia should have the right to move troops only in time of war or in preparation for threat of war. He further agreed that Russia should not have the right to station troops in Manchuria.

With reference to the port of Darien [Dalian], Stalin interpreted "internationalization" as meaning that it should be subject to Chinese and Russian control, that no other country was to be involved and that Russia should have a preeminent interest in the port as against China and there should be a Russian management. Half the revenues of the port should go to Russia and half to China. Soong maintained that the port should be a free port under Chinese administration with some Russian technical assistance and with full rights for Russia to use the port freely.

With reference to Port Arthur [Lüshunkou District, Dalian], Stalin agreed to eliminate the word "lease" and work for some basis by which both countries could have naval facilities.

Generalissimo Stalin proposed that the agreement regarding the railroads and ports should be for a 45 year period. There was no attempt to arrive at a decision as these discussions were of an exploratory nature.

He was asked by Soong what was the understanding of the United States Government as to the proposed arrangements in connection with the railroads and the ports.

He is hopeful of reaching agreement on the railroads and ports. Stalin is making some expanded demands in connection with the detailed

arrangements… [ILLEG IBLE]

hopes to be able to… [ILLEGIBLE]

understanding… [ILLEGIBLE]

this subject… [ILLEGIBLE]

The negotiations, says Soong, are at a standstill until the Outer Mongolian question is settled, and he feels it is essential for him to know the interpretation placed on this provision by the United States Government.

LAX