893.20/517: Telegram
The Chargé in China ( Gauss ) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 28—10:55 a.m.]
41. Reference Department’s 25 of January 26, 2 p.m. The Military Attaché states that General Chiang made no mention of any proposal to “lift” an American Army officer through the retired list to the position in China. This information came from Jouett and did not indicate that Chiang was cognizant of any such suggestion.
In view of the reports of Japanese pressure on Chiang looking toward a Sino-Japanese understanding or pact, it seems to the Legation that as the Military Attaché has already definitely informed Chiang that the services of an American Army officer cannot be made available to the Chinese Government, the emphasis on the American attitude contemplated by the Department’s instruction would serve no purpose other perhaps than as an additional argument to encourage or persuade Chiang to the acceptance of Japanese demands or proposals.
Would it not be possible for the War Department to forestall acceptance of any such offer by officers on the active or retired list?
I am withholding instructions to Peck pending further instructions from the Department.