Office of the Historian

893.00/1–3145: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Hurley)

Washington, February 1, 1945—9 p.m.

174. I have given careful study to your message and welcome this fuller presentation of the subject of your efforts to bring about unification of Chinese military forces through agreement between the Kuomintang and the Communists. (ReEmbs 141, January 31, sections 1 and 2, 142 and 143.58) We have for a long time attached great importance to bringing about such unification in connection with more effective prosecution of the war against Japan and I shall await with interest your further reports on developments.

It is gratifying to learn from you of the cordial relations you are maintaining with the leaders of both sides in the Chinese controversy and of the apparent desire of both sides to avail themselves of your [Page 198] good offices. In such an atmosphere we feel that you can continue to be helpful in connection with this matter.

In the light of existing circumstances I am in full agreement with the view expressed by you in the next to the last paragraph of your 141.

I have also noted carefully your observations in regard to your staff needs to facilitate the important work in which you are engaged and immediately upon the receipt of your earlier telegram59 relating to this matter we went into the situation carefully and we shall expect within a few days to communicate with you further.

Grew
  1. Both sections of telegram No. 141 printed supra; telegrams No. 142, January 31, 7 p.m., and No. 143, January 31, 8 p.m., not printed.↩
  2. Telegram No. 53, January 13, p. 31.↩