123 [Ludden, Raymond P.]
Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Chinese Affairs (Vincent) to the Chief of the Division of Foreign Service Personnel (Davis)
Mr. Davis: Some time ago I spoke to you with regard to the four Foreign Service Officers detailed to General Stilwell’s Headquarters, expressing my belief that we should give consideration to the question of whether they should continue in their present status. With the recall of General Stilwell we are faced with the necessity, I believe, of taking a position in the matter at a very early date. As you know, the four officers concerned are John Davies, Jack Service, Ray Ludden and John Emmerson. Davies and Emmerson are in Yenan, the Communist “capital”. Ludden is on a trip somewhere in Communist-controlled territory. Jack Service is in Washington, having been called here from Yenan for consultation in the War Department.
Without regard to the replacement of Stilwell, we consider it ill-advised that so many Foreign Service officers be located in Communist territory. Ambassador Gauss supports this view.5 There is the possibility, mentioned by Service, that General Wedemeyer may be requested by Chiang to withdraw these officers from Communist-controlled territory on the grounds that they serve no military function. Chiang’s agreement to send a military group to Communist territory was obtained on the ground that the group’s functions should be limited strictly to military intelligence.
[Page 188]Mr. Gauss in his telegram no. 1752 of October 31 states that he will seek an early opportunity to discuss the matter with General Wedemeyer. I feel that it would be advisable to telegraph Mr. Gauss that, unless Wedemeyer himself raises the issue, he postpone any discussion on the subject until we have been able to discuss the matter with the War Department here. Suggested telegram is attached.6
It is suggested that FP7 send a memorandum or letter to the War Department8 incorporating the following information and requests:
John Davies, now in Yenan, is needed for assignment to a regular consular post at Colombo. The Department therefore requests that he be ordered to India after which his detail to Army Headquarters will be terminated.
John Emmerson, now in Yenan, is, it is understood, carrying out an assignment in connection with obtaining intelligence with regard to Japanese activities. It is estimated that he will be able to fulfill the assignment by the end of this year. At that time, or sooner if Army Headquarters deems it advisable, the Department desires that Mr. Emmerson be ordered to Washington by Headquarters and released for a regular State Department assignment.
Mr. Ludden is now on a mission in Communist territory on behalf of the 20th Bomber Command. It is understood that Mr. Ludden will have completed his mission some time before the end of the year. At that time the Department desires that he be ordered to proceed to Washington by the Army and released for regular State Department service.
It is desired that Mr. Service, who is now in Washington, return to China after consultation and a period of leave. If Army Headquarters there continues to desire his services it is not the intention of the Department to request cancellation of his detail. It is believed that, whereas four Foreign Service officers in Communist territory is undesirable, one there can perform a very useful function. It is not practicable to assign him there as a member of the Embassy and therefore a continuation of his status with Army Headquarters in China is essential if he is to return to Yenan.