761.93/1778: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:30 a.m.]
1092. I made known to Vice President Wallace and General Ferris contents of your 829.6 Ferris has been communicating with Stilwell regarding War Department matters mentioned in your message, and as to proposal to amalgamate Chinese Air Force with Sino-U.S. composite wing, which is considered small matter of doubtful value, he would also wish to consult Stilwell. Other matters are all in line with consultations taking place between Wallace and Chiang. After consultation morning 23rd, I decided it would be anticlimax for me to seek immediate opportunity for discussion with Chiang on same subjects. I had occasion some days ago to outline to Chiang U.S. attitude regarding Soviet and necessity for unity among partners of United Nations,7 and in several off the record conversations with Foreign Minister, who is attending the Chiang–Wallace conversations, I have gone over the several subjects mentioned in your message and he is familiar with the American point of view. A War Department [Page 109] message from President to Wallace8 arrived morning 23rd asking him to take up with Chiang matter of U.S. military officers entering all areas including Communist areas for military intelligence. He had been discussing this point with Chiang and proposed to pursue it further on afternoon 23rd with Ferris present for that phase of the conversations. The American attitude as outlined in your telegram is being held in mind to guide us in our conversations with various Chinese officials, and confirms us in the general attitude we have been taking on the major subjects of a united front in China in the present serious situation in this country, relations with Soviet Russia, et cetera.