893.00/4–444

The Secretary of State to the Secretary of War (Stimson)

My Dear Mr. Secretary: With reference to the message from General Stilwell to the War Department (CFB 15551, April 1, 1944),9 I fully concur in the desirability of there being sent an observers’ mission to the so-called Communist areas of China. With regard to the contents of the proposed message from the President to Generalissimo [Page 394] Chiang Kai-shek, it is suggested that the last sentence of that proposed message be revised along lines as follows:

“I feel that assent by you to extend this important facility to the United States forces in the China theatre will have a very helpful effect in enhancing the good-will toward China of the American people and in maintaining and strengthening their continued confidence in China’s wholehearted cooperation in an all-out effort to defeat our common enemy, Japan.”

Sincerely yours,

Cordell Hull
  1. Not found in Department files.