Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1944, China, Volume VI

893.00/8–3144: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Gauss)

Washington, September 9, 1944—4 p.m.

1196. 1. The President and I have given careful consideration to your telegrams 1159,⁶⁹ 1205⁷⁰ and 1480.⁷¹ We agree with you that a positive, frank and friendly approach to Chiang on the subject of governmental and related military conditions in China should be made at this time.

2. We have taken note of Chiang’s suggestion that the Chinese communists should be told to settle their differences with the Government. A similar suggestion was made to Vice President Wallace, and Chiang’s general argumentation, as set forth in your 1480, is strikingly similar to that used with the Vice President, indicating’ a discouraging lack of progress in Chiang’s thinking, in view of his own professed desire to reach a settlement with the communists and in view of reported dissident developments in other areas not under communist influence.

3. It is suggested that, unless you consider the step inadvisable, you tell Chiang that if he will arrange a meeting you are prepared to speak to the communist representative in Chungking along the same general lines as you and the Vice President have spoken to Chiang; that you will point out to the communist representative that unity in China in prosecuting the war and in preparing for the peace is urgently necessary, that a spirit of tolerance and good will—of give and take—is essential in achieving such unity; that Chinese of every shade of political thinking should cooperate now to defeat the Japanese; and that differences can be settled if the major objective of victory is kept firmly in mind. You may tell Chiang the foregoing as from the President and from me, and add that we concur in your comments to Chiang as reported in your 1480. Please also inform Chiang that the observer group in north China is on a military mission and that we consider it inadvisable to utilize it for the purpose suggested by him.

4. We note also with approval that you availed yourself of the opportunity of conversation with Chiang to mention your idea of a coalition council as described in your 1159. It is requested that you inform Chiang that the President and I feel that your suggestion is practical and timely and deserving of careful consideration; that we are concerned, not only regarding non-settlement with the Chinese communists, but also with regard to reports of discontent and dissidence in other parts of the country among non-communist Chinese; that we are not interested in Chinese communists or other dissident elements as such, but that we are anxious on our own behalf and on the United Nations’ behalf, as well as on behalf of China, that the Chinese people develop and utilize, under the leadership of a strong but representative and tolerant government, the physical and spiritual resources at their command in carrying on the war and in establishing a durable democratic peace; and that to this end factional differences can and should be merged and settled by intelligent conciliation and cooperation. We feel that a council or some body representative of all influential elements in the country and with full powers under Chiang’s leadership would be a most effective organ for achieving this end. We recognize, however, that Chiang may have in mind some other equally or more effective way of achieving the same end. You may, in addition, utilize as from us such portions of the cogent argumentation set forth in your reference telegrams as you choose, and also the views well expressed by Atcheson in his conversation with Sun Fo (your 1373) on August 9.⁷²

Please inform Generals Stilwell and Hurley and Mr. Nelson⁷³ of the matter and, if you consider that a useful purpose would be served, you are authorized to invite one or more of them to accompany you to call on Chiang.

Hull

69. July 4, 2 p.m., p. 116.
70. July 12, 1 p.m., p. 124.
71. August 31, 1944, United States Relations With China, p. 561; for more complete account, see despatch No. 2932, September 4, from the Ambassador in China, p. 544.
72. Ante, p. 139.
73. Maj. Gen. Patrick J. Hurley, U. S. Army, and Donald M. Nelson, Personal Representatives of President Roosevelt in China.