761.93/9–645: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Hurley) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2:10 p.m.]
1528. The suggestion that a statement be made by the Soviet Government demonstrating Soviet support for the National Government of China (ReEmbstel 1336, August 12, 2:00 p.m.) was made at time when the attitude of the Soviet Government toward the National Government of China had not been publicly officially stated. My suggestion was made at a time when it seemed imperative that directives be issued to the Japanese to surrender only to officers designated by the National Government of China. It was made in view of the proclamation, which had just previously been issued by the Chinese Communists, which clearly showed the intention of the Chinese Communists to seek to have the Japanese surrender to the Communists and make available to them large quantities of arms and equipment. The Chinese Communist proclamation was clearly in defiance of the authority of the National Government, as well as contrary to the Potsdam Declaration.
The foregoing very critical situation was fundamentally changed as a result of General MacArthur’s General Order Number 1 and of course also by the ratification and promulgation of the Sino-Soviet treaty and annexed exchanges of notes (sent to the Department as No. 1528, September 6, 8:00 a.m., repeated to Moscow).
The publication of these documents has demonstrated conclusively that the Soviet Government supports the National Government of China, and also that the two governments are in agreement regarding Manchuria. Thus the purpose in mind when I sent my telegram 1336 on August 2 [12] has now been achieved.
I do not know what Dr. Soong may have said in Moscow relative to a statement by Russia and China on the open door policy, other than as referred to in Moscow’s telegrams 3077 and 3130.65 Dr. Wang Shih-chieh, Minister for Foreign Affairs, has now left Chungking for London. If it is desired that I approach the Chinese Government in regard to the open door policy I should appreciate receiving instructions indicating the views of the Department.66