Staff conference at 10. Went to speak before the Ministry of Communications at 11.
Afternoon, P. C. Chang 【張彭春] came to tell me that he has seen C. 【蔣中正] and reported to C. his interest in technical education; that C. had told him to look around the country for two months and then go abroad again. For this reason, he could not accept the directorship of Manchuria.
周蒼柏 came from Hupeh. Told him to arrange to use the bank facilities of Hupeh Provincial Bank, with an interest rate of 2% between deposit and withdrawal.
The winter will be very severe. The funds at my disposal are very limited. The government is not aware of the possibilities for good or evil inherent in the present situation.
許復七 came to tell me about a conversation which he had with Y. T. Tsur 【周詒春]. The latter made several points: (1) the staff in his ministry hoped that at least 50% of fertilizers would be for free distribution. Y. T. himself hoping for 25%, (whereas I had mentioned 10%); (2) that while Y. T. would accept any man I may nominate and any policy I may advance, he hoped the fishing equipment would be handled by his ministry, (3) Y. T. hoped to reorganize the Agricultural Implements Corporation 【中國農業機械公司] and then let that body handle UNRRA 【聯合國善後救濟總署] implements and tools.