DEPARTMENT OF STATE
                 WASHINGTON 
                                   May 21, 1942.
 
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
 
     I refer to Ambassador Gauss' telegram of May 20 in
regard to the gravity of the Chinese situation. A 
paraphrase is enclosed for convenience of reference.
     I have sent paraphrases of the telegram to the
Secretary of War and to the Secretary of the Navy.
     The last paragraph of the telegram impresses me as 
containing a very sound and timely recommendation. I 
venture to hope that it may be given special considera-
tion.
 
Enclosure:
 
Paraphrase of telegram,
May 20, 1942, from
Embassy, Chungking.