500.CC/3–1545: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in China (Atcheson)
447. Please deliver a close paraphrase of the following message from the President to President Chiang Kai-shek:
“I have received from Ambassador Hurley a detailed report in regard to the situation in China and the various problems facing you and I am encouraged to learn that progress is being made.
In connection with the forthcoming United Nations security conference to be convened at San Francisco on April 25, for which the National Government of the Republic of China is a sponsor, General Hurley has informed me of the suggestion made to him by the Chinese Communist Party that the Chinese delegation be composed of representatives of the Kuomintang, the Democratic Federation, and the Communist Party on a basis of equality. I fully concur in General Hurley’s reply to the effect that the conference at San Francisco is to be a conference of national governments and not of political parties.
At the same time, I would like to let you know that I can anticipate no disadvantage that would arise from the inclusion in the Chinese Government’s delegation of representatives of the Communist Party or other political parties or groups. In fact, there might be distinct advantages in such a course. Undoubtedly a very favorable impression would be created at the conference and this democratic gesture by you might prove of real assistance in your task of unifying China.
As you no doubt know, the major political parties in this country will be represented on the United States delegation and I believe that Canada and other nations are following a similar course.
I send you my personal greetings and good wishes and earnestly hope for your continuing good health.
Franklin D. Roosevelt”