893.01/9–1644
Memorandum by the Secretary of State to President Roosevelt 95
The sum and substance of Chungking’s attached telegram no. 156796 is (1) that Chiang Kai-shek deferred decision on the suggestion that he arrange for Ambassador Gauss to speak to the Communist representative in regard to the need for Chinese unity; (2) that Chiang, in response to the suggestion that he establish a coalition military council, replied that he was “considering steps”; but (3) that Gauss feels there has been no fundamental change in Chiang’s attitude toward the Communist and related problems of unity.
The impression which Ambassador Gauss received of Chiang’s reaction to our approach is not encouraging. However, it is believed that the approach was worth while. It put on record with Chiang our feeling with regard to the political situation in China. At the same time it may serve to influence him to make changes which by conviction he would never make, but which he may nevertheless make as a matter of expediency in response to advice from us.
During past months, although there has been a deterioration in the situation in China, some developments are encouraging: American press representatives were allowed to visit Communist areas in north China; an American military intelligence group has also been allowed to enter that area; press censorship has been relaxed; there has been an unusual degree of open discussion at the present session of the People’s Political Council; and there is evidence that Chiang is taking steps to reform his Army. These developments have occurred largely as a result of American press criticism and friendly official approaches.
There is therefore reason to believe that a firm and consistent exertion of influence upon Chiang may be effective in at least bringing about an amelioration of unsatisfactory conditions in China. While no early and general improvement is anticipated, it may be possible to arrest further deterioration and prepare for more effective Chinese cooperation in future American operations in China and for cooperation between China and the USSR in the event of Soviet military action against Japan.