811.42793/1719: Telegram

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

774. In private conversation yesterday afternoon Dr. T. V. Soong admitted to me that Chiang had issued orders stopping all students [Page 1140] and technicians from going to United States but said he expects this order gradually to be relaxed. He admitted that the press report of criticism of thought control by Harvard professors had had something to do with Chiang’s petulant action. He spoke privately of Chiang’s present state of irritation and impatience due to overwork and concentration in his own hands of so many administrative duties which should be entrusted to others. While he asked me to hold his remarks as private and confidential and not to be reported, I feel the Department should be aware of present state of affairs.

Gauss