893.248/252: Telegram

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

263. We have information that in an official Japanese broadcast on or about October 28 there was made a statement that “Chiang Kai-shek himself is allegedly resisting ‘Magruder’s terms’ (complete control by America, no Chinese representation) for the building of American air bases in China.”

We of course note the source of this statement and hold no opinion regarding its basis. It serves, however, to remind us that this Department has received no authentic information regarding General Magruder’s observations, efforts, recommendations, et cetera, except his reports of and comments on his conversation with Chiang Kai-shek of October 28. It would be helpful for us in connection with problems of policy, to have knowledge of any recommendations which General Magruder may make to Chiang Kai-shek which would have a bearing on political matters either within China or in relations between China and this and other countries.

Hull