President Roosevelt to Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek 58
I am glad that you find General Hurley and Mr. Nelson acceptable for the important missions they will perform for us. Now that my personal representatives to you have been decided upon, I think we should proceed immediately to take the positive steps demanded by the military situation. I urge that you take the necessary measures to place General Stilwell in command of the Chinese forces, under your direction, at the earliest possible date. Extended deliberations and perfection of arrangements may well have fateful consequences in the light of the gravity of the military situation.
In my position I can well appreciate your political problems and particularly the political difficulty of installing an American officer in the desired command position. I feel certain, however, that between General Hurley and General Stilwell there will be an adequate comprehension of the political problems you face. I am urging action in the matter of Stilwell’s appointment so strongly because I feel that, [Page 149] with further delay, it may be too late to avert a military catastrophe tragic both to China and to our allied plans for the early overthrow of Japan.
As to matters of detail which Dr. Kung presented:
I do not think the forces to come under General Stilwell’s command should be limited except by their availability to defend China and fight the Japanese. When the enemy is pressing us toward possible disaster, it appears unsound to refuse the aid of anyone who will kill Japanese.
I am not suggesting Stilwell’s title but I think it ought to imply that directly under you he commands the armed forces in China—that of the head of the State with his Commander in the field.
I feel sure that General Hurley will be highly useful in promoting relations which will facilitate General Stilwell’s exercise of command and his understanding of the related political problems, and that it will not be necessary to delay matters until each detail is considered and settled.
I propose proposing a new arrangement for handling lend lease matters, relieving General Stilwell of this burden, and will communicate my proposal to you later.
Dr. Kung informs me that you will take the necessary administrative steps to implement our agreement. In this message I have been most frank, my sole effort being directed toward the freedom of China and the complete defeat of Japan at the earliest possible moment. General Hurley and Mr. Nelson will leave here about August 23rd.
I had a most successful inspection trip in Hawaii and the Aleutian Islands and Alaska. I think we have Japan very much worried and that by continuing the pressure every day her position will become still worse.
My warm regards,
- Telegram transmitted through military channels to Chungking. Copy obtained from the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, N. Y.↩