893.00/2–1845: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Hurley) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 19—12:48 p.m.]
246. Referring to Department’s recent telegram.5 Following is transcript of pertinent portion of Wedemeyer’s press conference of February 15.
[Page 233]“Question: Any comment on the failure of the Kuomintang–Communist negotiations?
Answer: I have tried to stay out of the political. I have heard rumors that they were not getting together but nothing official and I do not enter into these negotiations at all. I feel that I am a soldier and my job overseas is to get on with the war. Of necessity I have contact occasionally with political matters. I can’t help it. I have tried to avoid it but I can’t help it.
I don’t think they have broken down completely, exactly. I understand they are going to continue these conferences. I don’t believe it is final. That is the rumor that I have heard. Officially, I have not heard anything. The American Ambassador is responsible for the American side of these negotiations. I am not and I have not been asked to participate at all.
I would like to let you all know my feeling. It is quite strong on the subject of political matters here. I have required every officer to sign that he understands my policy with reference to China theater. Every American officer is required to sign this indication that he has read and understands it. My policy is this, that we will not give any assistance to any individual, to any activity, or any organization on [sic] within China theater, we American officers, we American military people. These are my orders and I am going to carry them out. Obviously we get requests from time to time for assistance from various sources but I am ordered to support the Central Government and I am going to do that to the best of my ability. The Central Government is recognized by my Government.
I add just this one thought—I hope with all my heart that the Chinese get together and resolve their differences before the war is over. I feel it is a wonderful opportunity to get together right now while they are fighting against a common enemy. I hope that they will, because it will strengthen the military effort considerably. There is no question about it in my mind.”