740.00118 EW/8–844: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 9—1:20 p.m.]
1361. First group American military observers left for Yenan about July 22, second group, delayed by plane accident departed about August 5 (Service accompanied first and Ludden second group, Col. Barrett, former Military Attaché, and his party).
On August 2, Government spokesman announced group was being sent “not only to Yenan but also to many other places in China” and stated purpose included “securing military information” and “collecting aeronautical data”. His statement was published in local press, Chinese and English language. Headquarters has said nothing to [Page 502] us officially but we understand there is considerable indignation over this Chinese official announcement of what was supposed to be secret military matter.
It is probable no great harm has been done as Japs would doubtless have learned of matter in any case because there are no secrets for long among Chinese; it was generally known in Chinese newspaper and other circles, and there are operated here over hundred radio stations by various Ministries, Bureaus, and banks through some of which Japs seem to learn of local developments with great rapidity. However, announcement was made without consulting our Army and cannot be regarded as other than breach of faith and indicative of lack of cooperation from which our forces have suffered in so many respects. Whether it was in any way connected with long standing Chinese opposition to military observer plan we do not know. Spokesman has very privately informed Counselor announcement was made for purely selfish reasons: various Chinese were implying political purposes to group’s visit to Yenan at time when Kmt–Communist negotiations were in progress and Government feared it might be criticized for permitting foreign “intervention” in “domestic matter”.