740.00119 Pacific War/35a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Gauss)
409. On March 25 the Chinese Chargé d’Affaires ad interim,15 acting under instructions, called on Assistant Secretary Berle.16 He inquired whether any understanding had been reached with respect to the liberation of colonial areas, particularly French and Dutch, in the Far East and he stated that the Chinese Government was much [Page 47] interested in these matters. Mr. Berle replied that it was his understanding that this question had been reserved for future discussion and that there was every desire that China be kept informed on all questions in which China might be interested.
The Chinese Chargé was also interested to know whether any agreements had been reached with the Governments of the Netherlands and Belgium in the event of the re-occupation of those countries, and he was informed that the understanding, which is a military one and subject to change should unforeseen situations arise, was that the recognized governments of those countries would assume responsibility for administration as soon as the military situation made this possible. In reply to an inquiry concerning the status of the French National Committee, the Chargé was informed that this matter was still under discussion, that the attitude of the bulk of the French people in occupied France was not yet clear, and that no final decision had been reached.
Sent to Chungking, repeated to London, Moscow, and Algiers.