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Memorandum of Conversation, by the Secretary of State
The Chinese Ambassador33a called at his request to see the Secretary.
The Ambassador told the Secretary he wished to congratulate him on his recent success at Moscow,34 that it was very helpful that the stalemate had been broken. The Ambassador then inquired what Mr. Molotov had said about the Chinese situation.
The Secretary said he thought the agreement with the Soviets on the Chinese situation was good and ought to be helpful. He said that the published agreement represented the Soviet views, that they intend to stand by their agreement at Potsdam and their treaty with the Chinese. The Soviets suggested the statement about giving a broad representation to two parties in the National Government, and since this was precisely what the US had asked for Bulgaria and Rumania, there could be no objection to it. The Soviets showed no intention of failure to carry out the treaty. The Secretary said they did not go into details of the composition of the Chinese Government—that is for General Marshall to work out over there.
The Ambassador said there was no doubt about the National Government’s policy, that the Government has pursued their efforts toward unification for a long time, but that the Communists would not stick to their terms.
The Secretary said he had insisted on a statement in the Moscow communiqué about China so that there could be no doubt about unity among the three powers on policy.
The Ambassador said he had come to inform the Secretary that he has been asked to return to China for consultation and that he [Page 20] expects to leave Monday. He is to be in Chungking before the 15th, so he must rush.
The Secretary said he thought it tremendously important that there be a unified China. He said that General Marshall represents this Government and he has complete authority there. He said he also believed that both the British and Soviet Governments would support any decisions the General makes.
The Secretary wished the Ambassador success in his efforts and those of his government.
The Ambassador, bidding the Secretary goodby, wished him success in the UNO Assembly meeting.
- Wei Tao-ming.↩
- For the Moscow Conference of Foreign Ministers in December 1945, see Foreign Relations, 1945, vol. ii, pp. 560 ff.↩