Foreign Relations of the United States, Diplomatic Papers, 1942, China

740.0011 Pacific War/2872

Memorandum of Conversation, by the Ambassador in China (Gauss)¹⁵

[Chungking,] September 19, 1942.

During my call yesterday afternoon on Generalissimo Chiang¹⁶ to inform him of the proposed visit of Mr. Wendell Willkie, the conversation as usual turned to the world situation, the Generalissimo asking me whether I had any particular news of developments. I replied that I had nothing particularly interesting or outstanding; that, of course, we are all watching closely to see which way Japan decides to move at this time—toward Siberia, perhaps toward India, perhaps toward Australia, or elsewhere. I commented that the Generalissimo had made accurate estimates in the past; would he venture an opinion on the present situation.

He replied smilingly that he thought not; but then went on to say that he did not expect a Japanese invasion of India this year, at least, because of lack of available transport facilities. For the same reason he did not expect a Japanese attempt to invade Australia. As to Siberia—well, he thought we would know Japan’s intentions by the first of November. I commented that I supposed that this was considered about the last date for launching an offensive against Siberia, having in mind weather conditions. Dr. H. H. Kung, who was listening to the conversation, indicated an affirmative.

I asked the Generalissimo whether he had any information to confirm the report which had reached us in Chungking from several quarters that a meeting of the Japanese Privy Council had been held in the presence of the Emperor on about the 16th instant; those having this report suggested that it indicated that the Emperor’s assent has become necessary to some major decision. The Generalissimo said he had not heard of the meeting; but later he said he had not heard of a meeting in the presence of the Emperor.

I had referred to the Generalissimo’s absence in the Northwest and gave him an opportunity to volunteer comment on it; but with so many present, I did not feel that I should ask for information on the problems which have been under consideration there—internal problems. The substance of what has transpired will reach us eventually. The Generalissimo commented on the weather in the northwest, which he said had been cooler than usual this year.

C. E. Gauss

15. Copy transmitted to the Department by the Ambassador in his covering despatch No. 632, September 21; received October 20.
16. Also present: Madame Chiang, H. H. Kung, Wang Chung-hui, Hollington Tong Li Wei-kuo, and John Carter Vincent.