Foreign Relations of the United States, 1950, East Asia and the Pacific, Volume VI

794A.00/8–550: Telegram

The Commander in Chief, Far East (MacArthur), to the Secretary of Defense (Johnson)

top secret
operational immediate

Tokyo, 5 August 1950—5:01 a. m.

C 59418. Personal for Sec of Def Johnson. Reurad Def 88014. The President’s decision of June 27 is fully understood here and this headquarters has been and is operating meticulously in accordance therewith. Comprehensive reports and recommendations including its views on the JCS proposals for modification of the President’s decision to permit Chinese counteraction against threatening mainland concentrations, have been and are being submitted fully to the JCS with which the closest liaison is being maintained. I understand thoroughly the limitations of my authority as Theater Commander and you need have no anxiety that I will in any way exceed them. I hope neither the President nor you has been misled by false or speculative reports from whatever source, official or non-official.