811.22793/699: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 22—11 a.m.]
512. In letter March 10 Admiral Yang, Chief, Chinese Intelligence, informed Military Attaché De Pass [that] Chinese “notification observation group” under Gen. Yang Chieh had completed observation in England and wished proceed to United States (Embassy’s 2360, December 9, 2 p.m.1). De Pass replied he desired indication Chinese agreement to reciprocal exchange basis enabling American officers visit active Chinese fronts before transmitting request to War Department. Yang replied March 17 enclosing copy letter from Ho Ying-chin to Stilwell stating request for American military observers visit Chinese fronts approved by Generalissimo with reservations: [Page 384]
- (1)
- Yenan department not to be visited because of “domestic problem which has not yet been satisfactorily settled”;
- (2)
- Chinese to be informed and consulted regarding number and organization of groups in places to be visited and purpose and
- (3)
- Chinese to send men who serve as guides and make travel arrangements.
De Pass informed Yang March 20 proposals acceptable except for Yenan restriction; he expressed hope Chinese would reconsider and agree to allow American officers to visit all areas including Yenan and other guerrilla areas North China; stated lie would transmit Yang’s request to War Department when Chinese Government should agree to allow American officers visit any China front without restrictions; and reminded Yang that personnel Chinese observation group and plans for trip to United States must first be approved by General Stilwell. Yang’s reply not yet received.
- Not printed.↩