740.0011 Pacific War/2938a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Gauss)
1118. As you are aware I have been following the practice of having talks from time to time with the representatives in Washington of the United Nations, including, of course, the Chinese Ambassador, for the informal interchange of information and comment in regard to current matters. My idea is to meet with the Chinese Ambassador periodically, perhaps once a week and when Dr. Soong returns to Washington, I shall expect to ask him to call with the Ambassador.
The primary purpose I have in mind in connection with these talks is to keep in as close diplomatic touch as possible with the Chinese Government in order that the cause of our common war effort may be furthered by increasing, if possible, a spirit of mutual understanding and confidence between the United States and China. In this way I hope that both countries may be encouraged to put forth greater efforts in the long struggle which lies before us before victory can be achieved.
I want to impress upon our Allies that the United States is, of course, resolved to carry on the war to a complete victory, and that while we have a full realization of the grim task that still lies ahead, our confidence in the ultimate success of the United Nations rests on hard facts. These facts are, as events are already showing, that we of the United Nations have the resources in man power and material and have the ability and determination to use them in action which will decide the final issue.
It is my opinion that, while in the partnership in which we are associated the burdens cannot always be evenly distributed, each of the United Nations—and especially the principal ones—has its part to play and can contribute materially to the goal to which we all have unreservedly and completely dedicated our military, economic, and political effort. The full cooperation of the principal United Nations to the fullest extent of the ability of each will enable us all to press [Page 180] the [war] more quickly to a decisive conclusion and by so doing we may confidently hope to cut materially the sum total of the sacrifices which each would otherwise have to make.
I am sure that the leaders among all the United Nations realize that the maintenance of a united front is a matter of such supreme importance to the effectiveness of our war effort that all of us should be constantly on the alert to make that united front impervious to efforts of our enemy to penetrate it. We must not allow ourselves to be influenced either by propaganda which is deliberately designed to create dissension, mistrust and confusion among the United Nations or by the loose talk of irresponsible and ill-informed persons, which in its effects is sometimes no less insidious than propaganda inspired by the enemy. We should all put forth our best effort to the end that in our countries there is the least possible criticism of any other of the Allies or of Allied high officials.
I have already communicated to you some of the general remarks I took occasion to make to the Chinese Ambassador here on November 1046 when he called in connection with our draft treaty on extraterritoriality. I shall endeavor to keep you informed of the course of future conversations with him as they relate to my thoughts which are outlined above. I am sure that you for your part at the seat of the Chinese Government will put forth every effort to further the cause of attaining more intimate and more friendly relations with the Chinese Government and will in your discretion do whatever seems feasible in your association with high officials of the Chinese Government to supplement in Chungking the efforts which I and my associates in the Department are making here. I shall, of course, be glad at any time to have your comment in regard to matters of this sort. As you know, your reports are liked and appreciated here and your opinions and comment are studied with attention.