895.01/99: Telegram
The Ambassador in China ( Gauss ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4:05 p.m.]
432. Reference my 381, April 10, 10 a.m. Political Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs informs me that with the return to Chungking of General Chiang the question of recognition of the Korean Provisional Government now at Chungking has been further examined, with the conclusion that it is desirable to extend such recognition without delay. Principal considerations in reaching this decision are that proposed action would (1) dispel any suspicions that China has any territorial ambitions, in which connection he mentioned not only Korea but Thailand and Burma; and (2) give evidence of China’s adherence to the principles of the Atlantic Charter.28 He stated that General Chiang desired that proposal to recognize Korean Provisional Government be communicated by me to American Government with request for early expression of our views. In response to inquiry whether British are being approached or informed, Vice Minister [Page 873] said such action not contemplated at least until after American views are obtained. He requests early reply.
- Joint statement of August 14, 1941, by President Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Churchill, Foreign Relations, 1941, vol. i, p. 367.↩