711.93/471
The Appointed Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs (Quo Tai-chi) to the Secretary of State
My Dear Mr. Secretary: I am shortly to depart from the United States for China and wish to send you a word of farewell and of thanks for the cordial hospitality extended to me during my brief stay in Washington.
[Page 928]It was very gratifying to me to receive in person during our conversations the extended account which you were so good as to give me of the attitude and policy of the United States in regard to problems, both economic and political, which are of concern to the whole world, and especially to your Government and mine, in this unhappy period of disturbance, violence and distress.
With the general principles of the foreign policy of the United States, which were set forth in your public statement of July 16, 1937,3 I have long been familiar. I could, therefore, readily appreciate the importance which, as you indicated in our conversations, your Government attaches to the principles of world order under law and of equality of treatment among nations, and to general recognition of the need for freer international trade and for broader cultural exchange. My government shares the desire and the hope of your Government that there may be brought about by processes of agreement conditions in world affairs in which those principles will be universally accepted and applied.
You will recall that on August 12, 1937, there was sent to you a communication from my Government4 endorsing the principles enumerated in your statement of July 16, 1937, and stating that China’s policy was therefore in full harmony with the views of the Government of the United States. Such was the position of China then, and such is its position now.
My country has for nearly four years been fighting in self-defense. During this period the Government and people of the United States have shown great friendship and sympathy for the Government and people of China. The Chinese Government and people deeply appreciate the attitude, the policy, and the action of the Government of the United States. We feel, moreover, that our attitude, objectives and policies are constantly evolving along lines more and more completely in harmony with those of the United States.
My people are traditionally believers in non-discrimination in international commercial relations and in the broad principles of cooperation and fair-dealing among nations which are implicit in the faithful observance of international agreements and the adjustment of problems in international relations by processes of peaceful negotiation and agreement freely arrived at. We believe in and subscribe to the principle of equality of commercial opportunity and non-discriminatory treatment. Our Government gave clear indication of this nearly a century ago when there were being negotiated the first treaties between China and Occidental countries.
[Page 929]Upon restoration of peace, the Chinese Government desires and expects to seek and to effect the fullest application of those principles in its own economy and in its political and economic relations with other countries.
With many pleasant recollections of my visit to Washington, and with my kindest personal regards, I am, my dear Mr. Secretary,
Yours sincerely,