893.51/7739: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 28—8:35 a.m.]
181. President’s message to Chiang has been transmitted with request that Chiang indicate to whom he desires that we submit our proposals regarding Army financing. This refers to your 108, January 20 and 125, January 24. This procedure adopted in hope proposals can be presented through and studied by some one other than Chiang and not result in immediate rejection. In agreement with Dr. Ache-son, the Somervell–Clay proposals first [will] be submitted in order finally to dispose of their view that Chinese have committed themselves to some such arrangement. Developments will be reported.