893.50 Recovery/10–1648: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Secretary of State, at Paris
Telmar 155. 1. Following is message from Gimo to Pres delivered by Amb Koo Nov 9:
“I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of Your Excellency’s reply dated October 16, 1948, for which I am deeply grateful.
The Communist forces in Central China are now within striking distance of Shanghai and Nanking. If we fail to stem the tide, China may be lost to the cause of democracy. I am therefore compelled to send to Your Excellency again a direct and urgent appeal.
The general deterioration of the military situation in China may be attributed to a number of factors. But the most fundamental is the non-observance by the Soviet Government of the Sino-Soviet Treaty of Friendship and Alliance,55 which, as Your Excellency will doubtless recall, the Chinese Government signed as a result of the well-intentioned [Page 202] advice from the United States Government. I need hardly point out that, but for persistent Soviet aid, the Chinese Communists would not have been able to occupy Manchuria and develop into such a menace.
As a co-defender of democracy against the onrush and infiltration of Communism throughout the world, I appeal to you for speedy and increased military assistance and for a firm statement of American policy in support of the cause for which my Government is fighting. Such a statement would serve to bolster up the morale of the armed forces and the civilian population and would strengthen the Government’s position in the momentous battle now unfolding in North and Central China.
My Government would be most happy to receive from you as soon as possible a high-ranking military officer who will work out in consultation with my Government a concrete scheme of military assistance, including the participation of American military advisers in the direction of operations.
As the situation demands Your Excellency’s full sympathy and quick decision, I shall appreciate an early reply. Chiang Kai-shek”
2. Following is message to Gimo sent by the Pres on Nov 12 to Amb Stuart for delivery:
[Here follows text of telegram No. 1608, November 12, 7 p m., printed infra.]