893.0140/886

Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Far Eastern Affairs ( Hamilton ) to the Secretary of State

Mr. Secretary: I believe that there is no need for us to interpose objection to the Commander in Chief’s proposal to reduce the number of Marines at Shanghai from 857 to 800 and those in north China from 260 to 200.

If you concur, I shall so inform Captain Schuirmann with the request that this move be carried out in such a way as to minimize in so far as practicable publicity.71

M[axwell] M. H[amilton]
  1. Capt. Schuirmann was so informed on September 16. Notation by President Roosevelt “O.K. F.D.R.”