Department of Defense Files
The Chinese Ambassador (Koo) to President Truman19a
Dear Mr. President: I have the honor to transmit to you the following message, which I have just received from President Chiang Kai-shek: [Page 175]
“Because of the recent military reverses due in part to shortage of equipment and ammunition, I am appealing personally to you, Mr. President, to use your influence by every means at your command to hasten the procurement and transportation to Chinese ports, of weapons and ammunition being obtained under the China Aid Program already agreed in principle by the United States Government. These have now become imperative. I am gravely concerned that any further delay in their delivery will have a disastrous effect on the outcome of the present operations. I feel confident that through your direct efforts the aid program will be materially hastened, and I again request your personal intervention in this matter so important to the realization of our common cause. Chiang Kai-shek.”
I take this opportunity to convey to you my most respectful regards [etc.]
- Copy received in the Department from the Department of Defense in letter of January 3, 1904.↩