793.94/12039: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Johnson)
27. Please deliver the following message to General Chiang Kai-Shek:
“January 11, 1938. Dear General Chiang:—
I am glad to have Your Excellency’s letter of December 24, 1937,54 which was delivered to me personally by His Excellency the Chinese Ambassador here on December 31st.
In this letter you have been so good as to give me your appraisal of various features of the very unfortunate situation in the Far East and your views in relation to the problem of world peace.
[Page 37]Needless to say, I have been giving much attention to the situation and the problem to which you refer. The tragic conflict in China is of concern not only to the two countries most directly involved but to the whole world. Both the people and the Government of the United States view with anxious solicitude and profound regret the destruction which is being wrought. The cause of peace is one which we have very much at heart. We are giving constant study and thought to the problem of ways and means which may contribute most effectively toward promoting peace and facilitating international cooperation. Our efforts toward those ends will not be relaxed. It is our earnest hope that out of the present conflict in the Far East, and in place of it, there will come a settlement which, by virtue of reasonable provisions adequately considerate of the rights, legitimate interests and national integrity of all concerned, will provide a basis for amicable relationships and an enduring peace. Very sincerely yours, Franklin D. Roosevelt.”
The original letter signed by the President is being forwarded to you by pouch for delivery to General Chiang Kai-Shek.55
- ibid., 1937, vol. iii, p. 832.↩
- A copy was also transmitted by letter to the Chinese Ambassador on January 25.↩