711.93/458: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 3:16 p.m.]
581. Summary of message.10 Of the proposals which I advanced recently, the principal consideration is to formulate specific methods for giving assistance to China and of realizing the principle of cooperation for United States, China, and Great Britain. To the Government of the United States is left the decision of deciding the mode of procedure to be adopted.
Although we are cognizant of the policy of the United States to conclude alliances with no country, the existing Far Eastern situation calls for American reflection on these points: (1) American support of an Anglo-Chinese alliance and mutual assistance and (2) issuance of a joint Anglo-American declaration assenting to willingness to grant China all possible aid and setting forth their vindicable [common] position in relation to the Far East. If the menace with which China is now faced is to be safely passed, the foregoing measures should be carried out at the same time; otherwise our military and economic situation, which is already very difficult, will worsen. Japanese recognition of the Wang regime will tend to speed up the breaking down of our war effort.
If I failed to inform the United States of the foregoing, I would be lacking in candor. I trust that the Government of the United States will inform me at the earliest possible date whether it can support the proposals for assistance contained in my plan (see (d) paragraph numbered 3, my 568, November 9, 5 p.m.11) as well as the suggested Anglo-Chinese alliance (End of summary).
Sent to the Department only.