893.00/8–1345: Telegram
The Ambassador in China ( Hurley ) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 13—1:27 p.m.]
1347. It would assist us in planning orderly transition to postwar operations to receive as soon as possible the Department’s views regarding representation by the Embassy on general headquarters, USF–CT1 when it is moved from Chungking, and regarding reopening and staffing Consulates in China.
Under the plan now under consideration between General Wedemeyer2 and President Chiang Kai-shek3 (an outline of which I recommend the Department obtain from the General Staff) American general headquarters will be transferred shortly to Shanghai and it is hoped to complete occupation by forces of the National Government of China within 30 days of surrender of key cities between Canton and Shanghai as well as of Nanking.
Pending receipt of the Department’s views in the matter I would suggest that two responsible officers be detailed to Shanghai at the time headquarters is transferred, to act as liaison and political advisers to the Commanding General, USF, and that as soon as his transportation can be arranged a third Foreign Service Officer be detailed to inspect in order of importance or accessibility Foreign Service premises previously occupied. Such an officer would thereafter return to Chungking for discussion and telegraphic report to the Department.
(Our relations with the American military establishment here are not only cordial but intimate and we are cooperating in every detail. In fact we are asked for our suggestions on every major decision. Cables to the State Department and the War Department will indicate that our Embassy in Chungking and United States Army Headquarters in this area are in complete accord.)
[Page 1458]The Generalissimo indicated to me last night that notwithstanding pressure to move the capital to Peiping that city is associated in the minds of many of the Chinese people with autocratic and reactionary rule. On the other hand Nanking is associated with the People’s revolution and the People’s government to which the Generalissimo is dedicated. He has therefore decided to establish the capital at Nanking, and this decision may obviously have an important bearing on the development of our plans.
New subject: We are receiving many inquiries in regard to assistance to be rendered civilian internees now in Shanghai and Weihsien. We are replying that general provisions covering delivery of civilian internees are contained in the reply to the Japanese surrender offer and that at this stage it is a military matter. We assume that Weihsien delivery will probably be at Tsingtao and that vessels will be sent to receive both that and the Shanghai groups. If the Department desires Embassy participation in reception of internee groups please instruct me as soon as possible.