Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek to President Roosevelt 48
My Dear Mr. President: I am glad to receive your telegram dated August 10.48a
The views which I requested Dr. Kung to convey to you personally were reached after most careful and comprehensive consideration. Being anxious to effectuate your proposal regarding General Stilwell, I have already taken positive preparatory steps with the great hope that it can be expeditiously realised within a short period of time. However, as this proposal will not only involve the success or failure of the China War-Theater, both militarily and politically, but will have a far-reaching effect on the future course of Sino-American cooperation and the whole situation in the Far East, every effort must be made to ensure its being carried out without the slightest hindrance. It is, therefore, necessary to have first adequate preparation and thorough deliberation for the actual implementation of such a proposal in order that it will bring about substantial improvement to the entire war situation.
I learn with pleasure that you are sending General Hurley as your personal representative accompanied by Mr. Nelson. Both General Hurley and Mr. Nelson are men of high standing and proved ability and I extend to them my warm welcome.
I am deeply touched by the sympathetic concern you expressed in your telegram over China’s war situation, and I wish to assure you that I will do my utmost in successfully fulfilling my responsibilities in the China Theater.
In regard to the many pending problems, I hope you will discuss thoroughly with Dr. Kung with a view to their early solution.
Please accept [etc.]
- Translation of telegram, dated Chungking, August 12, transmitted in letter of August 15 from the Chinese Minister of Finance (Kung) to Harry L. Hopkins, with the explanation that the telegram had been delivered by the Chinese Minister (Liu) to President Roosevelt on August 14. Copy obtained from the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, N. Y.↩
- Not found in Department files.↩