740.0011 Pacific War/3425: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in China (Atcheson)
Washington, September 17,
1943—10 p.m.
1302. Embassy’s no. 1674, September 11, 11 a.m.
- 1.
- The Department has given careful consideration to the matters set forth in the reference telegram and has noted the concern felt by General Stilwell and General Hearn in regard to Chinese apathy to the military situation.
- 2.
- The Department approves your contemplated line of approach to various Chinese officials in an endeavor to bring about an improvement in this situation. It is suggested also that in his discretion, the Ambassador, when calling on the Generalissimo, mention, in connection with our own increasing offensive efforts in the Pacific, the great importance attached by us to vigorous prosecution by China of the war against Japan by all means at her disposal.
- 3.
- Please report reactions of Chinese officials to your approaches and to any informal approaches made by the Ambassador. The question of the desirability of despatching a message from the President to the Generalissimo on this subject will be given careful consideration upon receipt of the Ambassador’s comments and views.
Hull