December 29, 1941.
To:
 
     His Excellency General Chiang Kai Shek, 
         Chungking,
                China.
 
 
     In order to insure immediate coordination and cooperation
in our common effort against the enemy, there is being established
a supreme commander for all British, Dutch, and American forces in the
Southwest Pacific theater.                                    
 
     The advisability of a similar command of activities of the
United Powers in the Chinese theater appears evident.  This theater
we suggest should initially include such portion of Thailand and Indo-
China as may become accessible to troops of the United Powers.  In
agreement with the representatives of the British and Dutch Governments,
I desire to suggest that you should undertake to exercise such command 
over all forces of the United Powers which are now, or may in the
future be operating in the Chinese theater.
 
     It is our thought that, in order to make such command 
effective, a joint planning staff should at once be organised consisting
of representatives of the British, Dutch, American and Chinese
governments.  If you consider it practicable, and Russia agrees, a 
Russian representatives might be included. This staff shuld function
under your supreme command.
 
     The commander of the Southwest Pacific theater and the
commander of the British forces in India would be directed to maintain
the closest liaison with your headquarters. A mutual exchange of 
liaison officers between the three headquarters would be desirable.
 
     Such arrangements would enable your counsel and influence
to be given effect in the formulation of the general strategy for the
conduct of the war in all theaters. Your views in this matter will
be greatly appreciated by me.
 
 
                         ROOSEVELT.