761.93/6–645: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Acting Secretary of State
In conversation with Dr. Soong this afternoon I told him that Marshal Stalin had communicated with President his desire that he, [Page 895] Dr. Soong, come to Moscow for conversations not later than July 1. I further stated that we would make available to Dr. Soong a fast Army plane with a berth to take him to Chungking, thence to Moscow, and back to Washington. I explained to Dr. Soong that it was the President’s desire to have a private discussion with him before he left for Chungking. Dr. Soong stated that he was deeply appreciative of receiving this information and particularly of our making available to him an Army plane. Also he wished to express to the President his appreciation for his willingness to see him prior to his visiting Chungking. Dr. Soong stated he was most anxious to have a conversation with Hopkins on his return from Moscow and that he had received today from his Ambassador in Moscow information that Mr. Harriman had advised that Mr. Hopkins would reach Washington approximately a week from now. Dr. Soong asked me specifically as to whether the President would discuss the matter of the Soviet Union entering the war with Japan and also whether or not I could give him any hint as to whether or not President Roosevelt had made any commitment to Marshal Stalin relative to Port Arthur. I repeated that it was impossible for me to discuss these matters in San Francisco; that discussions on both points with him would have to be postponed until he saw the President on his visit to Washington.
Dr. Soong in the first conversation this afternoon agreed he would stay on in San Francisco for a week longer and then proceed to Washington in order to have his meeting with the President and Hopkins for approximately two days; then proceed to Chungking, stating that he needed a week there with the Generalissimo, and then proceed to Moscow arriving by July 1.
The first conversation took place at 4:30. At 6:15 Dr. Soong called upon me again and stated he had thought matters over and thought it would be best for him to go to Washington at the end of this week and see the President, then return to San Francisco, participating in our deliberations next week and then return to Washington to see Mr. Hopkins on his arrival. I told Dr. Soong that I would inquire immediately as to when it would be convenient for the President to receive him either before this week-end or early next week. In this conversation I told Dr. Soong that I would be delighted to make available to him the C–54 that the Army has assigned to us and which is now in San Francisco for him to make the trip to Washington and return.
I would appreciate your wiring me urgently what day and hour the President will see Soong.