102.1/8–2347: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 24—4:25 a.m.]
1788. To State and Treasury from Adler. Reurtel 845 of July 9 and Embtels 1532, 1535 and 1540 of July 15, 16 and 17. Learn from a [Page 1180] reliable American source that Hsi Te-mou was instructed by the Generalissimo to fly to Mexico in mid-August to negotiate purchase of some silver. Apparently what Generalissimo has in mind is to purchase about 55 million ounces from Mexico and use this amount plus stock Central Bank possesses to mint 100 million ounces of silver as a kitty. Generalissimo is still obdurate in his intent to have reserve of silver coin on hand for emergency and to prepare for introduction of silver coinage, in spite of fact that 100 million ounces would be hopelessly inadequate, even assuming scheme as whole were feasible. Generalissimo’s intent borne out by Governor Chang asking me to inform Treasury he would much appreciate its cooperation in response to Hsi Te-mou’s request on dies, moulds and mint production capacity. [Adler.]