740.0011 Pacific War/3014: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 23—4:58 p.m.]
1541. Chang Tao-fan, new Minister of Information, in first press conference since assumption of office stated China received news of offensive in Burma with delight and that he hoped drive would mark beginning of organized offensive against Japanese in Burma. In reply to question concerning possible cooperation of Chinese forces in Yunnan with Allied forces invading Burma he stated that question [was] one for military strategists but that he believed Chinese forces fully prepared to join in such action when opportunity arises. He asserted that psychological effect on Chinese people of recapture of Burma would be so tremendous that result would be not only reopening of Burma road but also hastening of United Nations victory. Minister in reply to question concerning American aid to China said flow of supplies to China depended chiefly on transportation and that “China is doing her best to put every available means of transportation into service in order to accelerate flow of materials into this country”. He stated that China hoped that more transport planes would be made available for her use, for that would solve an important part of China’s needs.