893.00/11–2147: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received 12:38 p.m.]
2271. Dr. Wang, Foreign Minister, asked me to call today and told me that the situation in China had become so acute decision had been [Page 1223] taken to request American aid and this was being done through the Chinese Ambassador in Washington. At the same time he handed me an informal aide-mémoire indicating the character of the démarche to be made by Koo, the text of which is as follows:
[Here follows text of proposed aide-mémoire; comparison with the memorandum formally submitted by the Chinese Embassy on November 24, printed infra, shows only minor language changes.]
Dr. Wang said that the Generalissimo approved this action and hoped aid might be given along the same pattern as that contemplated in Europe and he was prepared to accept at least equal supervision.
It is Dr. Wang’s idea that the Chinese would send to Washington, if desired, someone of the caliber of Pei Tsu-yee accompanied by 2 or 3 qualified persons. He hopes that the aide-mémoire will not be used textually in any public statements but has no objection to the use of information contained therein.
This action by the Chinese Govt results from the initiative of Arthur Young who has been in Nanking the past few days with Chang Chia-ngau. The matter was discussed with the Generalissimo, with the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister present, and the decision reached to act. We urged upon Arthur Young and he passed on the admonition to Chang Chia-ngau that the démarche should not be made unless the Chinese were determined upon effective implementation. Although we have no illusions as to the complexities of the problem, we are encouraged to believe that there is some prospect that the Chinese have a present intention to endeavor to carry through with a program of reform provided there is assurance of continuing support both financial and otherwise from the U. S.