740.0011 Pacific War/2438: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Gauss) to the Secretary of State 84
[Received May 8—1:52 p.m.]
529. Reference my 528, May 8, 4 p.m. In conversation with me yesterday General Magruder envisaged the possibility if not probability of a necessary withdrawal from Chungking and China and suggested preparations to that end. I informed Magruder that while, of course, there is no objection to and it is desirable that preliminary preparations by way of an inventory of possible transport facilities, supplies, routes, personnel, et cetera, be made in connection with any eventual necessary attempt at withdrawal from Chungking, nothing should be done in any way to arouse the slightest suspicion on the part of the Chinese of any lack of confidence in the Chinese in American or other foreign circles; that my instructions are to follow and remain [Page 44] with the National Government; that I propose to do this so long as that Government exists and continues the policy of resistance to the Japanese; and that I would prefer to take all risks of falling into Japanese hands rather than have the Chinese believe we might be preparing to withdraw.
He is concerned as to possible attitude of Russians in event American military personnel seeks to enter Soviet territory in a withdrawal from China. That is a subject on which I cannot venture a prediction and I do not feel that we should explore it at this time.
The Military Mission is now engaged in sending out to India the aviators who arrived in China from the Tokyo flight and if air communication remains possible, the Military Mission could if so ordered gradually reduce its numbers by sending out others; this is a normal activity not likely to excite comment; but I strongly deprecate any owner measures which might lead to suspicion that a general withdrawal is contemplated.
- Paraphrase transmitted by the Department on May 9 to the Chief of Staff (Marshall).↩