811.42793/9–144: Telegram

The Ambassador in China (Gauss) to the Secretary of State

1481. Department’s 1085, August 16, American visiting professors. The Embassy has received no requests from Chinese institutions for American visiting professors in any particular field though their presence, we have been advised, would be welcomed. However, informal inquiry has revealed that visiting professors in the following four fields would probably be the most useful in the order given.

1.
International law and post-war planning. Professor with legal [Page 1149] training might be asked on arrival to assist in drafting of Chinese laws. Informal suggestions have been made that this assistance would be welcome to the Chinese Government but necessary agreement between various organs concerned has proved difficult so no formal request has been made for such a specialist.
2.
Trends of American thought. This subject could cover not only American history and western political philosophy but also modern western literature. In fact with an outstanding leader (such as James Truslow Adams, if his services could be obtained) for Chinese students American civilization as a whole.
3.
Modern world history. Such a subject would serve to show Chinese limitations within which they must work.
4.
Modern Economics. This would provide opportunities similar to the history just mentioned.

The Embassy suggests these professors might visit three centers in turn, coming to China at intervals of between 2 or 3 months, spending one quarter of the year at each center except the last quarter when they might go further afield, their itinerary to be determined after arrival here. They might first visit Chengtu where they could be assisted in familiarizing themselves with China conditions by American faculty of universities there. They might then go to Kunming for second, spending third in Chungking. Students attending the four courses of lectures could be examined thereon for credit. The fourth quarter might well be spent in separate outlying centers chosen by professors who would by that time be more familiar with the local scene. This would give considerable impetus to intellectual life of more remote centers without lessening the value of their efforts in major centers.

Dr. Yuan reports Rockefeller Foundation is considering sending Redfield of Division of Social Science of University of Chicago to China. If he comes he would take care of recognized need for a sociologist and it is recommended that only five visiting professors be sent this year. Another specialist could probably serve to better advantage at the present time. Next year conclusions drawn from this year’s results could be considered.

Gauss