740.0011 Pacific War/2642
The Chief of Staff, United States Army (Marshall), to the Chief of the American Military Mission to China (Magruder)2
625. War Department Policy of giving maximum practicable aid to China remains the same as heretofore. For Magruder. It is especially important in view of recent reverses in Burma that all American Army Officers on duty in China maintain an attitude of calm optimism with respect to Chinese future. Plans and conversation must not imply any thought of hopelessness in situation or any United States intention to abandon the country. The War Department does not intend to place limits upon proper distribution of available American Officers but it is important that movements of such personnel are so regulated that they can not possibly be construed as an evacuation by Americans. You are directed to convey to Mr. Gauss this expression of War Department view and in absence of General Stilwell will acquaint other American Officers therewith, who are to govern themselves accordingly. Acknowledge.
- Copy sent at the direction of the Chief of Staff (Marshall) to the Adviser on Political Relations (Hornbeck) and received in the Department about May 10.↩