Office of the Historian

123 Hurley, Patrick J./12–1744: Telegram

The Appointed Ambassador in China (Hurley) to the Secretary of State

Chungking, December 17, 1944—9 a.m.
[Received December 19—6:50 p.m.]

2031. Special plane arriving today to take me to Washington. I have decided not to leave China at this time for following reasons:

1.
Wedemeyer absent from Chungking.
2.
Atcheson sick.
3.
Agreement has not yet been reached between Communist troop leaders and National Government.
4.
My credentials have not arrived. Under all circumstances too many rumors would be created by my departure. I am, therefore, directing plane sent for me to be used to evacuate aged missionaries and war weary pilots. The situation in my opinion is not dangerous. I am anxious to go to Washington for reports to President, to you and War Department as well as to put my personal affairs in order.

Trip postponed indefinitely.

Hurley