Moscow. CC VKP.

Poskrebyshev.

For Molotov. Kaganovich.

Regarding the Nanking proposal for a non-aggression pact, I agree with you. If Wang makes a written proposal, send me a copy by telegram.

Stalin.

Source: Stalin i Kaganovich. Perepiska. 1931-1936 gg. [Stalin and Kaganovich. Correspondence. 1931-1936], p. 160. RGASPI, f. 558, op. 11, d. 77, l. 54.

NOTE

On June 16, 1932, the Politburo adopted the proposals of Molotov and Kaganovich, formulated by them in a telegram to Stalin on June 12:

"To Comrade Stalin. 1) From reliable sources known to you it is known that Nanking has decided to restore relations with us. Nanking has decided to enter into negotiations with us on concluding a treaty of non-aggression. Nanking considers that the restoration of diplomatic relations will take place by means of signing a treaty of non-aggression.

The Chinese delegation official remaining in Moscow, Wang, has been instructed, in the order of a 'personal opinion, secretly and unofficially,' to ascertain the opinion of the Soviet Government. Evidently, in fulfillment of this instruction, Wang has appealed to the NKID's head of the Far Eastern Department, Kozlovsky, with a request for a reception.

2) We consider that Nanking's decision is mainly determined by fears of our rapprochement with Manchukuo. The restoration of relations, and moreover by means of signing a non-aggression pact, will have as its aim to make it difficult for us to establish the relations we need with Manchukuo. One can be sure that the Chinese will directly include in the non-aggression pact some clauses directly binding us in our Manchurian policy.

3) We consider it expedient that Kozlovsky now evade a meeting with Wang, and that Wang be directed to a department staff member, who will propose to Wang, if he has inquiries, that he make them in writing."

In supplement to this decision, on June 29, 1932, the Politburo permitted B.I. Kozlovsky to tell Wang, if he raised the question of a pact and recognition, that in his opinion the Soviet Government "will not object to the immediate restoration of relations without any conditions, after which a non-aggression pact will come as the natural result of the restoration of relations."