Harriman Moscow Post File, Lot F 132: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman) to President Roosevelt 95
In my interview with Marshal Stalin last night he seemed to be pleased with General Wedemeyer’s position and with the appointment of General Hurley as United States Ambassador to China. In response to my question as to how he viewed political developments in China, he said that it was a good thing to get rid of the Chinese Minister of War, General Ho Ying-China [Ho Ying-chin], and that he considered Soong, although he had no military experience, to be a “patriot”.
As always, Stalin criticized Chiang Kai-shek for not organizing his forces to fight the Japanese. In some detail he explained the corruption in the Chinese army. He remarked that the Generalissimo has wanted too many troops who were not equipped for fighting; that he has tried to organize 400 divisions; and that if he had limited them [Page 738] to 40 well equipped divisions who were ready to fight, it would have been better.
With regard to the negotiations between the Generalissimo and the Communists, Stalin made no comment. If no arrangement is made before the Soviets attack the Japanese, I believe that it must be assumed that the Soviets will back the Communists in the north and turn over to them the administration of the Chinese territory liberated by the Red army. Then the situation will be progressively difficult for Chiang.
- Copy transmitted through military channels.↩