Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek to President Roosevelt 20
The loss of the Burma Road, followed by heavy Japanese attacks now developing on the vital sectors of our defenses in southern, central and northwestern China, has created a very dangerous situation. In addition, the people are greatly depressed by the continuous United Nations reverses in the Pacific and on the Asiatic mainland, and the apparent lack of determination to counter-attack. Our war of resistance has now arrived at the most crucial stage such as I never experienced before.
I am most anxious to discuss the situation with you in person, but at present it is impossible for me to leave China. I strongly request you to send Mr. Harry Hopkins immediately to China so that I could acquaint him with the situation, and consult you intimately through him. I await most anxiously your favorable reply.
- Copy of telegram transmitted in covering letter of June 1 from the Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs (Soong) to Harry L. Hopkins, with the explanation: “I shall be presenting this message from the Generalissimo to the President when I see him at 1:45 today.” Photostatic copy obtained from the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, N. Y.↩