saying that when he was mayor of Chungking rumors of such rice riots were common but were
always found to be groundless; he was therefore convinced that there was also no basis for the
present story).
 
Q.  Is Outer Mongolia an integral part of China? (As Forman started to ask this question, K.C.
Wu tried to stop him, saying "Please do not ask that question". Forman insisted on putting the
question on the ground that he had at least a right to ask, and that the question had an important
bearing on the matter inasmuch as if Outer Mongolia was a part of China movements of Chinese
troops into it from Sinkiang would be a purely domestic matter).
 
A.   I am sorry I can say nothing. I can release no news on this
     question. I can answer no question. Do not try to argue me
     out of my position. I must be adamant. Please excuse me.
 
Q.  Can you give us some general diplomatic background to the problem?
 
A.   I cannot discuss these questions. (The Vice Minister was ob-
     viously ill at ease and apologetic. Privately he told several
     correspondents that if they came to see him he could show
     them relative documents presuraably the treaties).
 
Q.  Surely there is no objection to giving us some historical background.
 
No answer.
 
Q. I believe that last week you sort o‚ promised to find out and tell us where MA Chung-yin is
and where he has been for the last ten years.
 
A. Did I make any such promise? I cannot remember it. I'm sorry.
 
Q. Can we say that the spokesman refuses to discuss these questions?
 
A. I think you had better not.
 
Q.   Has the Chinese Government addressed any official communication
     to the Soviet Government?    
 
A.   In diplomacy we never reveal anything. - until the proper time
     comes for revelation.
 
Q. Who is it revealed to then? Will it be the press?