740.0011 Pacific War/2676a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Gauss)
591. Chiang Kai-shek has asked the President to send Mr. Harry Hopkins or some other similarly situated person to Chungking to confer in person with Chiang Kai-shek. The President has decided to send Mr. Lauchlin Currie, Administrative Assistant to the President, on this mission. Mr. Currie will probably proceed to China very shortly. He is endeavoring to depart without publicity here.
Mr. Currie has worked in close cooperation with officers of the Department in various matters relating to China. He is, as you know, specially versed in matters relating to the extension of lend-lease aid to China. He is informed with regard to most recent developments here, especially as they relate to China, and it is believed that you will find most helpful the information which he will be in position to give [Page 95] you in regard to the situation here and current thought in high Government circles.
Upon his arrival Mr. Currie expects to confer with you and to obtain from you the benefit of such comments and suggestions as you may consider likely to be helpful. You and the members of your staff will of course assist him in every practicable way.
You need take no initiative in informing the Chinese Government of Mr. Currie’s forthcoming visit in as much as Dr. Soong has been informed and presumably has telegraphed Chiang Kai-shek.