893.51/7455
The Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs
(Soong) to the Secretary of State
[Washington,] February 16, 1942.
My Dear Mr. Secretary: I take pleasure in
enclosing a translation of a telegram to the President from
Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek under date of February 15, 1942, and shall
be grateful if you will be so good as to transmit it to its high
destination.
I remain [etc.]
[Enclosure]
Translation of a Telegram From the
Generalissimo for President Roosevelt, Dated February 15,
194291
Soon after my arrival in Delhi I received your most welcome message
informing me of the granting to China of the loan of $500,000,000. I
am most grateful to you for having accepted my suggestions in their
entirety and without any attached conditions. On behalf of the
Chinese Army and the Chinese People I wish to convey to you, and
through you to the Congress of the United States as well as the
American People, our deep gratitude for this timely assistance.
For four and a half years my people have suffered untold privations
and distress. This loan, which you have now secured for China, will
not only ameliorate the economic situation but will also raise the
morale of the people in the present struggle. The loans and
supplies, which we previously received from you, have enabled China
to continue our war of resistance up till now. Your new gesture in
granting us this timely assistance gives inspiration and
encouragement to all who are fighting for freedom during the
unprecedented crisis with which the world is faced.
Besides the meeting of military needs, the proceeds of the loan will
be used mainly for strengthening China’s economic structure,
redemption of legal tender notes, control of currency, stabilization
of prices and the promotion of war production.
I wish to reciprocate most heartily your greetings and good
wishes.
