US ambassador to China who brought about Stilwell’s recall and mediated between the parties before resigning in 1945
Born in Indian Territory to Irish immigrant parents, he became a successful oil and gas lawyer in Tulsa and, as a Republican politician, served as Secretary of War in Hoover’s cabinet from 1929 to 1933. Recalled in 1941 as a brigadier general, he travelled to China, Iran and the Soviet Union as Roosevelt’s personal envoy. Arriving in China in 1944, he brought about Stilwell’s recall in favour of Wedemeyer, and that November signed at Yan’an with Mao a draft agreement for a coalition government that Chiang would not accept. As ambassador he backed the Kuomintang, and in 1945 he resigned, publicly charging that the State Department was too sympathetic to the Communists.
Also known as: Patrick Jay Hurley
Activities and affiliations
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1929–1933
United States state institutionsSecretary of War
Government and administration -
1944–1945
United States state institutionsUS Ambassador to ChinaMain
Diplomacy and international organization -
Republican Party (United States)
Diplomacy and international organization
Career Timeline
- 1908Opened a law practice in Tulsa
- 1917–1918Served in the First World War; Silver Star
- 1929–1933Secretary of War in the Hoover cabinet
- 1941–1943Recalled as brigadier general; Roosevelt’s personal envoy
- 1944Ambassador to China; Stilwell’s recall; visit to Yan’an in November
- 1945Resigned as ambassador and attacked the State Department
Related historical events
- 1937–1945The war with Japan and the second united frontRoosevelt’s envoy and ambassador to ChinaHe backed Stilwell’s replacement and in November 1944 signed a draft coalition agreement with Mao at Yan’an.
- 1945–1949The Chinese Civil WarUS ambassador who escorted Mao to ChongqingHe flew to Chongqing with Mao in August 1945 and guaranteed his safety, then resigned in November attacking the State Department.