Full Idea
Searle originally directed the Chinese Room against machine intentionality rather than consciousness, arguing that it is "understanding" that the room lacks,….but on Searle's view intentionality requires consciousness.
Gist of Idea
Maybe understanding doesn't need consciousness, despite what Searle seems to think
Source
report of John Searle (Minds, Brains and Science [1984]) by David J.Chalmers - The Conscious Mind 4.9.4
Book Reference
Chalmers,David J.: 'The Conscious Mind' [OUP 1997], p.322
A Reaction
I doubt whether 'understanding' is a sufficiently clear and distinct concept to support Searle's claim. Understanding comes in degrees, and we often think and act with minimal understanding.