123 [Gauss, Clarence E]: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 6—11:32 a.m.]
1771. [For Grew.] Thank you very much for your message in Department’s 1412, November 1.
I had hoped to relinquish my post quietly and took opportunity at Service’s sudden journey to United States to let Department know [Page 189] informally of my intention so that Department and the President would be entirely free to handle matter in any way desired and in their own time.
I am sorry indeed that matter received premature and unfortunate newspaper publicity in United States. My intention was wholly unknown in Chungking and story broke here only upon publication by local press of White House announcement carried as usual news services. After publication of White House announcement we here, in response to inquiries, have merely given confirmation of fact of resignation and denial of any connection with Stilwell or Hurley, stating it was customary step in view of elections which I had contemplated for some time. My 1760, November 2, 8 a.m.,9 was despatched after publication here of press reports based on White House press conference.
[In Department’s telegram No. 1423, November 3, Mr. Gauss was directed to proceed to the United States for consultation; he left Chungking on November 14 and arrived in Washington on November 24. After a short period of consultation, Mr. Gauss went on leave and retired from the Foreign Service on May 31, 1945.]
- Not printed.↩