Mr. Lauchlin Currie 31a to President Roosevelt 32
Re: Reply to Chiang Kai-shek’s message.
In accordance with your instructions, I discussed this matter with Mr. Welles. He suggests that you authorize me to convey the following message to T. V. Soong:
In answer to the Generalissimo’s enquiry as to whether the President would be in favor of definite military arrangements between the Soviet and Chinese Governments, the President has authorized me to inform [Page 1006] you that the United States Government, not being a party to the agreement, cannot take responsibility for it. However, the President added that he was of the opinion that such military arrangements would definitely be to China’s benefit. His attitude toward the suggested pact between China, Russia and Great Britain was similar. The President would appreciate further information as to the nature of the proposed military arrangements and pact.