The Pittsburgh Press (February 18, 1946)
Top Chinese officials fear Manchuria may be lost
But country’s Communists call for immediate withdrawal of Russian forces from area
By William H. Newton, Scripps-Howard staff writer
CHUNGKING – Events of the next 10 days will determine whether China will lose her richest provinces of Manchuria and with them all hope of becoming a strong and independent nation.
This is the confidential opinion of high Chinese officials who refuse to be quoted for fear of offending Russia.
Meanwhile, in their first public expression on the continued Soviet occupation in Manchuria, leaders of the Chinese Communist Party today advocated immediate withdrawal of the Russian forces and recognition of Chinese National leadership.
Lack authority in Asia
Chinese Nationalist fears of losing Manchuria are based on the following facts:
-
Despite Russian and Chinese mutual expressions of esteem, China has no sovereignty and scarcely any more authority in Manchuria than she had when the Japs were in full control there.
-
Chinese civil officials sent into Russian-occupied area have no real authority there and are not even permitted by the Russians to visit many places in sections they are supposed to administer.
-
The entire area surrounding Mukden, Harbin, Port Arthur and Dairen are under complete domination of Russan troops. In addition, to the 300,000 Red Army troops, there are strong forces of Chinese Communist troops and Soviet-trained Chinese Communists in Manchuria. None of these forces gives tangible evidence of any disposition to withdraw.
Reds tighten grip
Despite their pledge to withdraw by February 1, the Russians are tightening their grip on the industrial life of the entire area and have negotiated contracts with local dealers to feed and billet their troops for the next four months.
On January 31, the Chinese government asked Russia to reveal her plans in connection with her promised withdrawal. No answer to this request has been received.
The Chinese government is in the position of either accepting what amounts to complete Communist domination and control of Manchuria or of sacrificing the peace in China arranged with the help of Gen. George C. Marshall, U.S. ambassador.
Area vital to China
Significantly, the Soviet press which has clamored for removal of U.S. forces in China has not mentioned Russia’s failure to withdraw from Manchuria.
The rich industrial sections and the fertile fields of Manchuria are as important and vital to China as the Pittsburgh area and the wheatfields of the Midwest are to the United States. In its factories lie the hope of China becoming an industrial nation. Its rich fields are China’s opportunity to forestall the terrible famines that periodically bring death to thousands.