Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1940, The Far East, Volume IV

893.00/14610: Telegram

The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State

Chungking, December 23, 1940—noon.
[Received December 23—8 a.m.]

632. My 622, December 16, noon, and previous telegrams on National Government-Communist relations.

1. Reports recently circulating in Chungking to the effect that the British Ambassador has orally expressed to General Chiang Kai-shek the hope that means will be found to effect an amicable solution of the issues pending between the National Government and the Chinese Communists have now been confirmed by an officer of the British Embassy. It is understood that the Soviet Ambassador has communicated a similar expression of hope to the Generalissimo, but this lacks confirmation.

2. I have recently received intimations from private sources close to local Communist circles that it would be helpful if I too would approach the Generalissimo along similar lines; that such representations might prove effective in preventing the widening of the schism between the National Government and the Communists. I have and shall refrain from any such action, however, as it is my attitude that the conduct and development of the relations between the Chungking Government and the Chinese Communists are problems of an internal character; that these problems should be settled by the Chinese authorities concerned; and that we should refrain from intervention in the settlement of the issue.

Sent to the Department only.

Johnson