The Fitches And The National Government’s Diplomacy To The United States(1937-1941)

George Ashmore Fitch(1883-1979),a famous American missionary in China,a YMCA secretary,and his wife Geraldine Townsend Fitch(1892-1976),a Michigan American,also an outstanding religious worker,lecturer,and writer.They have lived in China for many years,serving religious institutions and various social organizations in China,and have long been committed to social service and international understanding.During this period,they established a good relationship of cooperation and mutual trust with many important figures of the National Government,also with Chiang Kai-shek and Madame Chiang,which making them an important medium for the National Government’s diplomacy to the United States after the outbreak of the Anti-Japanese War.George A.Fitch,as the director of the Nanjing International Security Zone,is a witness of the Japanese massacre in Nanjing.Under the impetus of various factors,he decided to return to America to spread the facts of the Japanese Army’s Atrocities that he saw,which has produced a wide range in American society impact.After returning to China,Fitch repeatedly conveyed the attitude of the United States and what he had seen.During his stay in China,he continued to expose the criminal acts of Japan,propagated on many occasions in United States under the authorization of the International Propaganda Department,and called on the United States to impose sanctions on Japan.During his stay in China,Fitch maintained long-term correspondence with his wife,and told his wife about the situation in China,becoming one of the important sources of information and a powerful weapon on her activities in the United States.The Fitches,as early promoters,initiated the American Committee for Non-Participation in Japanese Aggression.As board members and active sponsor of the association,they devoted themselves to helping China and appealing to sanction on Japan.Mrs.Fitch had made a lot of calls in the United States.She lobbied U.S.officials on many occasions,urged the Congress and government to adopt favorable policies for China.Mrs.Fitch has made extensive national tour lectures around the U.S.and has long been engaged in the work of promoting American understanding of China,conveying the real situation in China,and striving for practical action and support from all parties.She initiated and participated in the campaign to help China,and in 1941 launched Emergency Committee for Complete Embargo,advocating that the United States impose a completely embargo on Japan.The Fitches work on the United States is closely connected with the National Government,including instructions and communications,providing some information and certain funds,and jointly carrying out the work on the United States.However,it is necessary to realize that the Fitches personal identity,religious spirit,a sense of justice,recognition and support for Chiang Kai-shek regime,good personal relations and friendship with the politicians of the National Government are also important reasons for their voices for China.This combination is a two-way choice for mutual needs.The Fitches are Chinese friends and a powerful Chinese spokespersons in the United States.They take full advantage of their numerous relationships in the United States,predominance of American missionaries,and American citizens to actively help China.Generally speaking,their actions were limited in directly influencing the U.S.to change its policies towards Japan,which was far from the goal and expectation they had long called for.However,It plays an important role in exerting pressure on the the United States officials,making the American people understand Chinese resistance,sympathize with China,and expanding the effect of public opinion.It plays an important role in influencing public opinion.From this perspective,the National Government’s strategy of uniting foreigners for propaganda during this period was undoubtedly successful.