893.00/15169
The Ambassador in China (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 6.]
Sir: Referring to the Embassy’s telegram No. 1231, July 20, 9 a.m. in regard to the attitude of the National Government toward association by Chinese with foreigners, I have the honor to enclose a copy of despatch No. 26 of August 2, 1943, from the Consul at Kweilin entitled: “Regulations Promulgated by the Executive Yuan in regard to Entertainment of Foreign Guests”.65
Summary. Mr. Ringwalt encloses with his despatch a translation of an article from the Sao Tang Pao (controlled by the military clique in Kwangsi) of June 2, 1943, containing the regulations said to have been issued by the Executive Yuan governing the entertainment of foreign guests. He states that there seems to be no relaxation in the enforcement of these regulations in Kweilin and that Chinese intellectuals, in their contacts with foreigners, appear to be singled out for surveillance by the police with consequent lessened opportunities for association by foreigners with such Chinese. End of summary.
The Executive Yuan Gazette does not contain the regulations in question, although some Chinese observers state that the regulations are secretly in force. Other observers are of the opinion that the effect of these regulations was felt at the time of their reported promulgation but that after an initial period of caution on the part of Chinese there has been no attempt to observe them. It remains a fact that the vast majority of Chinese officials at Chungking are still reluctant to discuss freely with foreigners any questions which might imply criticism of governmental policy.
Respectfully yours,
- Not printed.↩