811.42793/11–2144
The Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs (Soong) to the American Ambassador in China (Gauss)48
My Dear Mr. Ambassador: I have the honor to refer to your letter of April 12, 1944, stating that the Department of State and American educational institutions as well as certain business concerns welcome the opportunity to assist and facilitate in China’s war effort and training for postwar reconstruction and that, in order to forestall any unfortunate developments and to bring about the best possible results, the Department of State desires comprehensive information concerning Chinese Government training plans for such students and technicians. You enclose a memorandum and request that you be favored with a reply.
In December of last year the Ministry of Education conducted the first examination of students who intend to study abroad at their own expense. The 326 students who passed the examination are now undergoing the necessary formalities for leaving the country. All these students are proceeding to the United States. They have been instructed to raise sufficient funds in advance to meet all necessary expenses for their study in the United States and have been required to furnish a financial guarantee in order to assure that none of them will be in financial difficulties.
During the current year the Ministry of Education plans to send to the United States fifty persons for investigation and research. Some will investigate education and the others will specialize in science, technology, medicine and agriculture. These persons will pursue their investigation and research on Chinese Government support.
Arrangements have recently been made by Professor Brown with certain educational institutions in the United States for forty-one assistant research fellowships for Chinese technical colleges. Scholarships for twenty Chinese students have also been granted by the International Harvester Company, Chicago. Preparations are being made by the Ministry of Education for an examination of students for those scholarships and the best qualified are scheduled to leave for the United States next spring. All their expenses will be paid by the American institutions.
With regard to the selection of 1,200 technicians to proceed to the United States for training under the Lend-Lease Act, a general plan is being drawn up by the Chinese Government, and it will become the [Page 1154] subject of negotiation between this Ministry and the Embassy from time to time.
The courtesy of the American Government, as well as the interested American educational institutions and business concerns, in assisting and facilitating in China’s war effort and training for postwar reconstruction is deeply appreciated. It is requested that Your Excellency’s Government and the interested institutions and business concerns be informed in the premises.
I am [etc.]
- Copy transmitted to the Department by the Chargé in China in his despatch No. 3167, November 21; received December 1.↩