793.94/15017: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Peck) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 17—8:55 a.m.]
337. General Chiang Kai Shek, in an open message addressed to the Provincial and Municipal governments and the people of the country on May 16, referred to the “widespread and wanton” Japanese bombing of Chinese cities in Szechuan, Shensi, Honan, Hupeh, Honan, Kiangsi, Fukien, Chekiang and Kwangtung during the past months and gave the following as the objects of these aerial attacks on undefended cities and defenseless civilian populations: (1) an endeavor to terrorize the Chinese people into submission; (2) an attempt to destroy the means of livelihood of the masses and productive enterprise; (3) an endeavor to create confusion and disorder in the Chinese rear. General Chiang declared that although the Japanese have “resorted to the most ruthless bombing in the history of the world” the Chinese people instead of being demoralized have remained calm and [Page 171] added “I firmly believe that our people will forever remember the Japanese brutality and will forever remind posterity until the invaders are annihilated and the deaths of our unfortunate brethren are avenged.”
Repeated to Peiping and Shanghai.