Office of the Historian

761.93/2–445: Telegram

The Ambassador in China (Hurley) to the Secretary of State

Chungking, February 4, 1945—2 p.m.
[Received February 4—2 p.m.]

167. On February 2 in conference with Chiang Kai-shek1 and Soong2 they repeated to me that Soviet Government has advised that they would receive Soong as personal representative [of] Generalissimo latter part of February or first of March. A tentative agenda for conference suggested as follows:

(1)
Establishment of closer and more harmonious relations between China and Soviets;
(2)
Suggest USSR join war against Japan immediately after victory in Europe;
(3)
Amicable discussions concerning postwar position of Korea and Soviet use of Manchurian port;
(4)
Sino-Soviet postwar economic relations;
(5)
Discussion of program to guarantee peace between Soviets and Chinese [on] both sides Sino-Soviet border.

This suggestion of agenda is top secret. I am conveying same to you with the request that you advise me of any changes you desire in the agenda or any suggestion you wish to make.

Chiang and Soong discussing problems of forthcoming Sino-Soviet conference with me in complete candor. They desire cooperation and suggestions.

In connection with this situation, bear in mind early last September Harriman,3 Nelson4 and myself conferred with Molotov5 on Soviet’s attitude6 toward Communists in China believing that understanding [Page 852] of same essential to settlement of Chinese Communist and National Government controversy. Molotov stated roughly as follows: (1) So-called Chinese Communists are not in fact Communists at all; (2) Soviet Government is not supporting Chinese Communists; (3) Soviets do not desire dissensions or civil war in China; (4) Soviets complain of Chinese treatment of Soviet citizens in China but frankly desire closer and more harmonious relations with China.

Soviet attitude outlined in previous messages to both President and State Department. China anxious to ascertain if Soviet attitude continues as outlined last September by Molotov. On this I am unable to give any definite assurances for simple reason that I do not know.

Hurley
  1. Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, President of the National Government of the Republic of China.↩
  2. T. V. Soong, Acting President of the Chinese Executive Yuan and Minister for Foreign Affairs; he became President of the Yuan on May 31, 1945.↩
  3. W. Averell Harriman, Ambassador in the Soviet Union.↩
  4. Donald M. Nelson, Personal Representative of President Roosevelt to President Chiang Kai-shek.↩
  5. Vyacheslav Mikhailovich Molotov, Soviet Commissar for Foreign Affairs.↩
  6. See telegram No. 3328, September 5, 1944, midnight, from the Ambassador in the Soviet Union, Foreign Relations, 1944, vol. vi, p. 253.↩