740.0011 P.W./304
The Chinese Ambassador (Hu Shih) to the
Acting Secretary of State
40
Washington, July 29,
1941.
My Dear Mr. Secretary: I have just received a
telegraphic message from Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek which he desires
to be conveyed to the President. I shall be grateful if you will be so
good as to transmit it to its high destination.
I wish to take this opportunity to express to you the deep gratification
felt by my Government and people over the statement which you made on
July 24th in regard to Japanese aggression in Indo-China41 and over
the measures which the United States Government has taken for the
freezing control of Chinese and Japanese assets.
I am [etc.]
[Enclosure]
Telegram to the President of the United States
From Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek
Chungking, July 27,
1941.
I have read with great pleasure your letter of June twenty-third
which was delivered to me by Dr. Owen Lattimore upon his arrival in
Chungking. I am happy to have so capable a man as my political
adviser, especially in view of the fact that he is in complete
accord with your basic political attitude. I have had no hesitation
in placing deep confidence in him, and I can assure you that his
advice will receive my most careful consideration.
Your lend-lease program for China which is being carried out under
your orders is highly appreciated by Chinese Government and people.
With regard to the Burma Road, everything possible has been done to
increase its capacity, but all important works of improvement can
only be undertaken after the rainy season, which begins in June and
ends in October. It is my humble opinion that this international
route to the sea is of vital importance to China’s war of
resistance, and should therefore be improved and kept open at any
cost. I am confident that, with adequate assistance from America,
China will be able to frustrate the Japanese plan for dominating the
Pacific, and in common with all democratic countries to vindicate
our common cause against international banditry and lawlessness.
Mrs. Chiang joins me in sending you and Mrs. Roosevelt our cordial
greetings and best wishes for success of the great and noble work
you have undertaken in bringing about a better and happier world
order.
