893.00/15405
The Ambassador in China (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 2.]
Sir: Referring to the Embassy’s despatch No. 2464 [2466] of April 21, 1944, in regard to the views of Chinese minority party leaders, [Page 428] I have the honor to enclose a copy of a memorandum of May 18, 1944,52 written by Second Secretary John S. Service, on detail to General Stilwell’s staff, summarizing a statement issued in booklet form by the Federation of Chinese Democratic Parties on May 14, a translation of which is attached to the memorandum.
Mr. Service comments that the highlights of the statement are: a moderate demand for democratic reform, i. e. freedom of expression and person, recognition of parties other than the Kuomintang, greater non-Kuomintang representation in the People’s Political Council and modified increase in its powers; a neutral but friendly attitude toward the Chinese Communists and the demand that there be a Kuomintang-Communist reconciliation; welcoming of foreign criticism and acknowledgment that China’s future depends upon good relations with the other members of the Big Four—that for this reason relations with Soviet Russia must be improved; and a strong attack by implication on Dr. H. H. Kung, Minister of Finance, and his policies, or lack of policies, in dealing with the economic crisis.
Respectfully yours,
- Not printed.↩