Monday, 25 December

Fine

From 11.00 a.m. to 1.30 I studied Russian.

Military Attaché Guo said that when he talked to Deane in the past he sensed that Deane strongly advocated that the Chinese army should be under the direction of American military officers. This could prove that Stilwell’s suggestion was supported by the American Department of Defense. After Stilwell was recalled, Deane was exceptionally cold to him. I told Guo that last week Deane told me that the American army will land on Japan Proper, but I thought it was impossible. He also said that they could landint Central China. I also thought that this landing was not a good option. Probably Stilwell was the Dean’s mentor and they belonged to Marshall’s clique. As a result Deane overtly supported Stilwell’s plan.

Churchill and Eden arrived in Athens today to summon a meeting for various parties in Greece. Churchill wants to use his own strength to hold a movement which is long gone. It would certainly be of no avail and come to the point of failure. Because the world trend has changed, no individual can save it. A wise person will rule according to a great movement but now he wants to reverse it, which will put his country into danger and difficulty.

The birthday telegram for Stalin from the Generalissimo arrived today. I then sent it via letter to be relayed by the Soviet Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The letter will be sent by Jingchen personally to the Far East Secretary.