893.24/1122
Mr. Lauchlin Currie, Administrative Assistant to President Roosevelt, to the Secretary of State62
Memorandum for the Secretary of State:
Re: Communications with Chungking.
In accordance with your suggestion, I discussed this matter with Dr. Hornbeck. With reference to communications by private code between the President and Chiang Kai-shek, we decided that although it would be preferable to have all messages go through regular diplomatic channels, still, in this instance, it seemed advisable to reply to Chiang Kai-shek’s message in his code through commercial channels. Otherwise, he might feel rebuffed and embarrassed. Dr. Hornbeck [Page 643] assisted in the drafting of the attached message63 which was coded in the State Department’s code room and approved by the President. If there should be any further messages, I shall show them to you immediately and consult you on any replies.
With reference to my own communications with Major McHugh, Naval Attaché at Chungking, on matters pertaining to lease-lend aid for China, we decided that for the time being I might continue to use naval radio, but that messages to and from should be immediately communicated to you at this end, and to Ambassador Gauss64 at the other. I think it would be desirable for you to inform the Ambassador of this arrangement if you approve.