893.00/14877
The Ambassador in China (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 1.]
Sir: I have the honor to enclose, as of possible interest to the Department, a condensed translation of a message75 to the Chinese army and people broadcast July 7, 1942 by Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek. He began this message by recalling that China on that date had for five years been engaged in armed resistance and that during the past year there had occurred developments which would determine the final outcome of the war.
China, the Generalissimo stated, is charged with the duty of operating as the main fighting force on the Asiatic continent. The United States, he continued, has a similar duty to deal in the Pacific with Japan, which he referred to as our first and most threatening enemy. He warned against giving credence to rumors that Allied strategy and policy relegate the Pacific War to a secondary position or that Japan will be allowed to operate freely for the time being.
Chiang Kai-shek is further quoted as stating that reverses inflicted on Japan at Midway Island, in the Coral Sea and at Dutch Harbor as well as other defeats which will follow may be expected to make Japan’s position untenable. He concluded, “Irrespective of age or sex we must each contribute to the all-important task which, when completed, will bring victory and permanent security to a free world.”
Respectfully yours,