740.0011 Pacific War/1302
Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek to Dr. T. V. Soong 30
Please convey to the Secretary of War and the Secretary of the Navy my utmost indignation at the dastardly Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and my deepest sympathy for the losses sustained by the armed forces of the United States.
In the Far Eastern zone of hostilities I have already given orders for immediate operations to relieve Hongkong. We have also decided upon an attack on the Japanese in Indo-China, which will be launched as soon as a joint Far Eastern plan of campaign has been definitely agreed upon.
I summoned the British and American military attachés last night and conveyed to them China’s unalterable decision to do its utmost and share the fortunes of the war with the two countries unflinchingly.
What is urgently needed now is the immediate creation of an Inter-Allied War Council, under the leadership of the United States, which should begin to function at once. Otherwise all our countries are in danger of being beaten in detail.
- Copies of telegram transmitted on December 11 by Dr. T. V. Soong to the Secretary of War (Stimson) and the Secretary of the Navy (Knox); copy transmitted to the Secretary of State by the Secretary of War, December 11.↩