893.00/1–348: Telegram

The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State

10. Our lack of information re development of Aid to China Program is becoming increasingly embarrassing as time for its presentation to Congress approaches. We realize that details cannot be communicated to us until definite decisions have been taken and we have gotten word to Gimo9 that action on his request for supreme economic advisor10 cannot [be expected until over-all plan has been formulated. We assume that likewise we cannot]11 expect action on Gimo’s request for additional military training centers until overall plan has been formulated.

We would appreciate it nevertheless if we could be informed now of any decisions which have been taken re procedure. We are inclined to believe that it would be preferable to consult Chinese prior to presentation of program to Congress but if for domestic or other reasons that course is not followed then we think it highly desirable that Chinese at least be given advance knowledge of program. To do otherwise after Chinese Government request for aid through its Ambassador in Washington12 would cause Chinese leaders loss of face and prejudice success of program. We hope also that this info could be given thru us in order that we can assure advance information to Gimo.

Stuart
  1. Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, President of the National Government of the Republic of China.
  2. For the Generalissimo’s request for appointment of a civilian advisory group, see telegram No. 2381, December 12, 1947, Foreign Relations, 1947, vol. vii, p. 1231.
  3. Bracketed insertion made on basis of Embassy file copy of telegram.
  4. See memorandum by the Chinese Embassy, November 24, 1947, Foreign Relations, 1947, vol. vii, p. 1223.