793.94/16306: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 11—8:15 a.m.]
571. When the Generalissimo began the conversation during which he offered the suggestion contained in my 568, November 9, 5 p.m., he said that his proposal was the result of his consideration of the reply which you and the President had made to his original message communicated in the Department’s 181, October 24, 5 p.m. He had particularly in mind the statement regarding our belief in cooperative effort in support of principles to which the United States is committed and it will be noticed that in working out his suggestions he has endeavored to frame them with that in mind. He believes and has all along said that the fight that China is waging is intimately linked with the United States and Great Britain. He feels isolated and finds it hard to understand why China’s part is not given more concrete recognition. Germany has in the past been ready to mediate between China and Japan. Russia has aid to give but the Generalissimo feels that Russia would be more willing to aid a Chinese Government dominated by the so-called communistic elements. He assumes that the United States and Great Britain will be thrown closer together during the present war in Europe and hopes that China will be included in such discussions as may take place. This is his own contribution to such discussions from the Chinese side.
Sent to the Department only.