Saturday, 10 June

Sun

I studied Russian in the morning.

I sent Counsellor Liu to the Soviet Foreign Office to ask them if I could accompany the American Ambassador, Harriman, to Tashkent to welcome the American Vice-President Wallace. The Soviet Ministry of Foreign Affairs was pleased about it. Ambassador Harriman sent people to inform me that he hoped I could accompany him, because Vice-President is Wallace representing Roosevelt and all Americans. Ambassador Harriman said Vice-President Wallace treasured the Sino-Soviet friendship and would be eager to know about Sino-Soviet relations. Because of this I also wanted to talk to him, as the second war zone has already opened and the Soviet Government’s attitude has improved greatly, and all the previous suspicions have evaporated. In this case the American side envisioned the Sino-Soviet friendship would have a slight effect on the Soviet Union. Also within our country there are a tiny portion of people with deep prejudices. This will make them understand thoroughly that the United States and Britain are sincere in cooperating with the Soviet Union. If we are not in harmony with the Soviet Union, it could affect the attitude of the United States and Britain towards us. They would certainly not break with the Soviet Union because of any Chinese misunderstanding with the Soviets. The Polish Incident could be an example. This time when Wallace visits China, I hope that he can tell us all our shortcomings frankly, so as to make us repent. Then his visit will be worthwhile.

Attaché Hu came back from a dinner held by the Soviet Intelligence Section for American personnel. She reported to me that the Soviet intelligence officer told her the Soviet army started toattack the German army today. She understands Soviet matters quite well, and is better than those who have stayed in the Soviet Union for a long time. (Shaozhou is naturally exceptional.) She is really good.