Clarence Edward Gauss (January 12, 1887 – April 8, 1960)[1] was an American diplomat.

From 1940-41 he served as U.S. Minister to Australia, and was the United States ambassador to the Republic of China during the Second World War.

[2] He resigned from the post in November 1944, and was replaced by Patrick Hurley.

Ambassador After leaving diplomatic service, Gauss was director of the Export–Import Bank of the United States.

He died at Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles on April 8, 1960.