761.93/6–1244
The Ambassador in China (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 27.]
Sir: I have the honor to enclose copy of a memorandum of my conversation with President Chiang Kai-shek on June 5th,53 when I called on him by appointment to present a courtesy letter from, and a photograph of, Mr. Secretary of State Hull.
During my twenty minute conversation with President Chiang, he Inquired whether Vice President Wallace54 would visit Moscow. He also asked whether the American Ambassador to the Soviet Union is at his post. He then asked my views on Soviet-Japanese relations, and on the relations of Soviet Russia with other Powers.
On Soviet-Japanese relations, I confined comment to the expression of my personal opinion that Soviet Russia had taken a firm stand with the Japanese in connection with the recent fisheries-oil-coal agreement, adding that so far as my information goes, there has been nothing to suggest that recent negotiations between the Soviet and Japan have touched on any matters of importance beyond that agreement.
On the subject of Soviet relations with other Powers, I commented briefly on the gradual breaking down of suspicion and distrust which had marked such relations over the past two decades, and the apparent desire of the Soviet Union and the partners of the United Nations to cultivate close relations of mutual respect, confidence and understanding. I mentioned Soviet adherence to the United Nations Declaration, signature of the Moscow Declaration, the reported dissolution of the Communist International, reports of close military collaboration for the defeat of Germany, and so on, and emphasized the necessity for a close understanding among the United Nations, including Soviet Russia, in the matter of post-war rehabilitation, finance, et cetera, and organization for peace.
President Chiang made no comment on my remarks.
As the Department is aware from the reports of the Embassy, President Chiang and those in power in the Government and Party in China, continue extremely suspicious of Soviet Russia and the Soviet attitude toward China and Chinese ambitions in the Far East. While the Soviet Union was quiescent in reference to the extension of National Government authority into Sinkiang Province, the attitude in reference to compensation for Soviet owned installations left in the Province was firm and uncompromising. It has also been firm in reference to insistence upon Chinese payment for supplies and equipment [Page 796] sent to China in the early years of the Chinese-Japanese conflict. Payment has been desired in strategic materials which have not been forthcoming in the quantity sought by the Soviet. The negotiations between the Soviet and China for the opening up of a route of supply to China through Soviet Russia and Sinkiang have repeatedly broken down. When the Chinese relegated the Soviet military advisers with the Chinese armies to positions of obscurity and nonactivity, Soviet Russia has recalled them. China is suspicious that Soviet Russia has or will give aid and comfort to the Chinese Communist forces; and that Soviet Russia has ambitions in reference to Manchuria. The Soviet attitude in connection with the recent border clash between Sinkiang and Outer Mongolia was particularly annoying to the Chinese. The most recent evidence of deterioration in Soviet-Chinese relations is the Chinese suggestion that the fisheries agreement between the Soviet and Japan must have been accompanied by some secret understanding under which Japan feels free to move forces from Manchuria for use against the Chinese in China. This thesis has been put out in a number of high Government quarters in Chungking; and it is my information that Dr. Wei Tao-ming, the Chinese Ambassador to Washington, was instructed to give voice to it upon his return to his post from his temporary visit to China.
The failure of the American Government to react against Soviet Russia in connection with the Sinkiang–Outer Mongolia incident and this latest Chinese thesis on Soviet attitude has apparently been somewhat disconcerting to China. The attitude of Soviet Russia which made necessary a separate conference with Chiang Kai-shek at Cairo, and some intimation as to Soviet attitude toward Four Power conferences on the post-war world organization are also leading China toward a feeling of isolation. British attitude toward China also seems to have some bearing on the subject.
It is believed here that the decision that Dr. H. H. Kung, Vice President of the Executive Yuan and Minister of Finance, should personally proceed to the United States to attend the Monetary Conference has more behind it than the desire to be represented on the same level as the United States. (It has been noted that the British representation is on a somewhat lower level.) Dr. Kung, it is believed, is to seek sympathetic consideration in Washington of a number of Chinese problems including relations with the Soviet Union.
As this despatch is being prepared, a report has reached the Embassy—but it is not possible as yet of confirmation—that the Chinese Government is considering the desirability of sending a special mission to Moscow in an effort to cultivate more satisfactory relations with the Soviet Union. If such a mission is sent it is likely that Dr. Sun Fo, President of the Legislative Yuan, would head it. It has [Page 797] been rumored that Madame Sun Yat-sen, widow of the “George Washington of China”, might be included in such a mission. It is doubtful, however, whether President Chiang would give Madame Sun the opportunity to go abroad where she might be free to voice her views on the political situation in China.
I venture the opinion that during his visit to the United States, Dr. Kung will make every effort in private conversations to voice Chinese suspicions of Soviet Russia in reference to Soviet relations with Japan and the Chinese Communists, and seek a more sympathetic and active interest on the part of the United States in reference to Sino-Soviet relations. I venture the further opinion that any plan to send a special Chinese goodwill mission to Soviet Russia will be postponed until the result of Dr. Kung’s efforts in the United States becomes known to President Chiang.
Respectfully yours,