893.51/7668a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Gauss)
Washington, January
22, 1943—2 p.m.
112. For Adler from the Secretary of the Treasury.
- 1.
- In connection with current discussions in Treasury regarding
Chinese exchange rate and payment of American soldiers in China,
[Page 404]
the Treasury would
appreciate your personal and confidential views on the following
questions:
- (a)
- What is the present attitude of the Chinese Government towards the continued black market sales of U. S. currency notes by members of the United States Air Force in China?
- (b)
- Does the Chinese Ministry of Finance still prefer to permit the continuation of these black market sales rather than to discuss the possibilities of a reduction of the exchange rate or the instituting of special rates for payment of United States soldiers in China?
- (c)
- Do you see serious objections to Treasury’s not doing anything about the present situation until such time as the Chinese Government chooses to raise the matter with the United States Government?
- 2.
- Please consider the above matter as strictly confidential. [Morgenthau.]
Hull