893.00/4–945: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Atcheson) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 9—10 a.m.]
600. Chinese press comment on Ambassador Hurley’s press conference of April 2.95 The controlled press universally and unstintedly [Page 327] praised General Hurley for the “most candid and just appraisal of Chinese internal political problems ever made by a foreign official”. The Kuomintang-Communist problem is not one of democracy but rather a basic problem of national union or disunion. Although the Ambassador has been in China for only a short period, he has an extraordinary insight into the Communist problem. There are those Chinese and foreigners who sympathize with the stand of the Communist Party, but no one other than Communist Party members can express sympathy for the use of force by the Communist Party (China Times). Foreign relations are subject to negotiation by the National Government alone and no party of [or] faction is competent to negotiate with a foreign country. The question of the supply of arms can only be taken up with the Central Government, and only the Central Government is in position to state how they are to be distributed (Social Welfare). There are some Americans whose views have been influenced by false propaganda. Ambassador Hurley’s statement, we believe, will not fail to dispel all doubts and apprehensions. As Ambassador Hurley said, the American Embassy and military organizations in Chungking, together with the Chinese Government, constitute a team to defeat Japan. This cooperation is already bearing fruit in preparations under way for a counter offensive (National Herald).
The only paper openly to express its chagrin over and adversely to criticize the Ambassador’s statements was the Communist Hsin Hua Jih Pao96 which generally represents views of the various parties and factions in opposition to the Central Government. It is [sic] stated:
[“]We deeply regret the statements made by General Hurley, as he does not understand the popular demand for democracy which is the true basis for China’s domestic unity. We are of the opinion that the present disunion is due to one party government. The Communist Armies are not protecting the selfish interests of a single party but are a popularly supported anti-Japanese force. Military unification without democratic union will lead nowhere. If the United States Army does not supply the strongest and largest Chinese force, the war will be prolonged and losses increased. Not only China but also the United States will suffer. We are of the opinion that General Hurley’s statements will aggravate disruption, promote civil war and postpone victory.”
Sent to the Department. Repeated to Cairo for General Hurley.