893.24/816
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 1.]
Sir: I have the honor to refer to my telegram no. 349, July 17, 4 p.m.,93 transmitting a translation of a statement issued by General Chiang Kai-shek in relation to a reported decision on the part of the British authorities to close the so-called Burma route temporarily to the transit to China of certain commodities, and to enclose in this connection a copy of the English text of a statement relating to this general subject issued on July 16, 1940 by the Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; a copy of the English text was made available by the Ministry to the Embassy on July 18, 1940.93
The Spokesman’s statement constitutes a considered yet sweeping and damning indictment of the British decision once more to bow to Japanese pressure, and undoubtedly reflects the views of the great majority of enlightened Chinese. The British authorities have in this hour of China’s gravest need taken a decision which will be long remembered and deeply resented by all patriotic Chinese.
Respectfully yours,