711.932/9–1145: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Hurley)
1428. Referring to draft treaty of friendship, commerce and navigation presented to Chinese Government on April 2 Department desires that relative importance of early conclusion of treaty be discreetly emphasized to Chinese Government. Informal conversations concerning the draft, held in Washington between officers of the Department and Kan Lee, who had been designated by Dr. Soong for the purpose, ended on July 9. It is understood Kan Lee has been in Chungking since August 9 for purpose of discussing draft provisions with ministries of Chinese Government.
Business interests in the United States have urged increasing need, with cessation of hostilities, for proceeding without delay to conclusion of a treaty. Department understands that removal of government establishments from Chungking to Nanking may cause considerable delay, and realizes that undue pressure for initiation of formal negotiations might disadvantageously affect our bargaining position, but it will appreciate Embassy’s ascertaining, as there is convenient opportunity, whether Chinese Government will be prepared to begin such negotiations within the very near future.