811.42793/11–2144
The American Ambassador in China (Gauss) to the Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs (Soong)33
Chungking, April 12,
1944.
My Dear Dr. Soong: With reference to our
conversation last evening, on the subject of Chinese students and
technicians intending to proceed to the United States, I enclose a
memorandum, based on my instructions from Washington, indicating the
information desired by my Government in this matter.
We have, from time to time, requested to be informed of the plans as they
have progressed, but so far I have been unable to communicate anything
definitive to my Government.
Let me repeat that the Department of State and American educational
institutions as well as business concerns that may offer training facilities
welcome the opportunity to assist in China’s war effort and postwar
preparations.
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The request for official information concerning educational and training
plans is prompted by the common desire to forestall any unfortunate
developments and to bring about the best possible results.
I might add that the Embassy also desires information in order that it may
deal promptly with passport visa applications and the usual formalities when
the students and technicians are ready to proceed to the United States.
I am [etc.]
[Enclosure]
The American Embassy to the
Chinese Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Memorandum
Reports of the plans of the Chinese Government whereby many hundreds of
Chinese students may come to the United States either at their own
expense or on Chinese Government support, in addition to hundreds of
technicians for whom technical training is desired, have aroused
considerable interest in educational circles in the United States.
In order to reply to inquiries concerning these plans and in order to
take such steps as may be feasible to insure the best possible results
from the education and training these men hope to receive, the
Department of State has instructed the Embassy to request a
comprehensive statement concerning what has been done in this field up
to date, including decisions concerning the approximate numbers of
students and trainees who are expected to arrive within stated periods,
the nature of the instruction and training desired for them, the amount
and source of their financial support, the Chinese Government agency or
agencies in the United States with which the Department of State and
interested organizations in the United States may conduct correspondence
concerning the students and trainees and any other information that
would be useful in connection with these projects.
The Department of State would require in advance satisfactory assurance
that the students and trainees would have dependable and adequate
financial support to meet not only routine expenses but also
unforeseeable contingencies such as sickness or accident.
Those students proceeding with Government support will be expected to
supply the same advance information concerning their arrangements as are
required in the case of students proceeding on their own funds,
including evidence of admission to accredited institutions.
Educational institutions in the United States have been in many cases
disarranged by war conditions and an influx doubling the number
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of Chinese students now
there and unable to return to China may necessitate careful
planning.
The Department’s advisory committee on the adjustment of foreign students
has expressed the view that the number of Chinese students to be
admitted should be limited by the opportunities for study, housing and
counseling that are available to Chinese students in the institutions
selected by them.
The Department of State and American educational institutions, as well as
business concerns that may offer training facilities, welcome the
opportunity to assist in China’s war effort and post war
preparations.
Chungking, April 12,
1944.
