805.01/286

The Chargé in China ( Atcheson ) to the Secretary of State

No. 1491

Sir: I have the honor to enclose a copy of a memorandum dated August 14, 1943,17 setting forth opinions in regard to the Korean problem expressed to an officer of the Embassy by General Wang [Page 1095] Peng-sheng, adviser to General Chiang Kai-shek18 on Japanese affairs and liaison officer between General Chiang and various non-Chinese groups in Chungking. General Wang indicated that his views do not necessarily represent those of General Chiang and they are communicated to the Department for what they may be worth as expressions of opinion by a Chinese official of influence.

General Wang’s statements may be summarized as follows: The Korean problem must be solved before there can be permanent peace in the Far East. Solution lies in the complete restoration of Korean independence. China hopes that the United States will play an important role in underwriting Korean independence. Present dissension among Korean groups is most regrettable but the Koreans must be united in order that a forceful Korean government can be transplanted to Korea when the proper time arrives. The question of recognizing a Korean provisional government is merely one aspect of a much greater problem affecting the future position not only of Korea but also of the areas in southeastern Asia occupied by the Japanese. A conference of the interested United Nations should be called to formulate a definite policy in this regard. China is in no position to call such a conference but the United States and Great Britain should take the lead in so doing.

Respectfully yours,

George Atcheson, Jr.
  1. Not printed.
  2. President of the Chinese Executive Yuan.