740.0011 Pacific War/2582
The Ambassador in China (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 27.]
Sir: I have the honor to enclose for the Department’s information a translation of an editorial from the Sao Tang Pao* of May 3, 1942, entitled “An Urgent Suggestion”,11 which in its discussion of the war effort of the United Nations offers comment thereon which is indicative of the tone of the Chinese press since the reverses in upper Burma.
The editorial points out the failure of the United Nations to estimate correctly the real strength of Japan prior to the outbreak of hostilities in the Pacific area, their failure yet to appreciate the life and death aspects of the struggle, their failure to rid themselves of a defensive psychosis toward the war and their failure to announce for the Pacific area a charter similar to the Atlantic Charter. The editorial describes the needs of the United Nations as (1) effective cooperation and coordination, (2) offensive action against the Japanese, (3) defense of Northern Burma as the last link between China and India and (4) solution of the Indian problem so that unity may be achieved between the United Nations.
Respectfully yours,