893.00/7–2244: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
Chungking, July 22,
1944—2 p.m.
[Received July 22—11:07 a.m.]
[Received July 22—11:07 a.m.]
1275. Rice at Sian telegraphs 18th and 20th [that] Chen Cheng being placed in command reorganized 1st War Zone comprising Honan and Shensi provinces with HQ [at] Sian. Chen has shown in press interviews conciliatory attitude toward Communist question, asserting he will work to lessen Kmt–Communist tension, seek political rather than military settlement, and will attempt relax present tight blockade.
Gauss