793.003/940: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received 3:50 p.m.]
1160. Following for the President from Generalissimo.
“On the occasion of the thirty-first anniversary of the Republic of China the entire nation rejoiced that the United States has made a voluntary move to relinquish extraterritorial rights in China. Furthermore, the ringing of the Liberty bell in Independence Hall to commemorate China’s Liberty Day finds resounding echoes in every Chinese heart of good will and friendship for America. These tributes will do more to uphold the morale of our people in continuing resistance than anything else could possibly do. I personally am so deeply moved by this beautiful and touching gesture that I cannot find words adequate to express my feelings. As a boy the very words ‘liberty bell’ and ‘Independence Hall’ fired my imagination and made a profound and lasting impression in my mind. Throughout my struggle to secure national freedom for China I have continuously dreamed of the day when she would assume the full stature of an independent and democratic nation. Today this ideal has been realized. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for your superb and inspired leadership and moral courage in assisting China to gain equality among the United Nations. I assure you that China shall not fail you in our joint task of securing freedom for all mankind. Chiang Kai Shek.”