893.00/14148
The Consul General at Shanghai (Gauss) to the Ambassador in China (Johnson)35
Sir: I have the honor to report, as of possible interest to the Embassy, that Mr. Hallett Abend, representative of the New York Times, interviewed General Chiang Kai-shek at Kuling on June 17th. He was told that he might cable home the substance of the interview without disclosing, however, the identity of the person interviewed. Accordingly, he cabled a story a few days later, a copy of which is enclosed34 for the information of the Embassy.
Attention is drawn particularly to that section which refers to the fact that China will not be cajoled or forced into discussing with Japan any problems which even remotely or indirectly concede the existence of “Manchukuo.” This, according to Mr. Abend, is based directly on statements made to him by the Generalissimo who also informed him that China would not consider even the tacit recognition of “Manchukuo” although Japan might express a willingness to make sweeping concessions in return for such recognition, including the abolition of the East Hopei régime, the withdrawal of support from the Mongols and “irregulars” in North Charhar, the suppression of smuggling into China, the abandonment of railway projects in North China and even the surrender of extraterritorial rights. The [Page 122] Generalissimo is said to have explained that any such quid pro quo would be rejected not only because nonrecognition of “Manchukuo” is one of the fundamental policies of the Nanking Government but also because Chinese Government leaders are convinced that national consciousness has now developed to such a point that no government could continue to exist which even contemplated such a compromise.
Mr. Abend informs me that he found the Generalissimo cheerful but in none too good health; that he continues to wear braces and is in constant pain; that doctors both foreign and Chinese who have examined him state there is nothing that can be done for him except a major and very risky operation and that pains and pressure on his nervous system will probably increase. Mr. Abend says, however, that the Generalissimo’s mind is active and clear and concerned with a thousand different problems.
Respectfully yours,