711.00/3–1545
Minutes of Meeting of the Committee of Three, Held January 16, 1945, 9:30 a.m.
| Present: | Messrs. Henry L. Stimson, Secretary of War |
| James V. Forrestal, Secretary of the Navy | |
| Joseph C. Grew, Under Secretary of State | |
| Mr. John J. McCloy47 was present as Recorder. |
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Another question which arose was the matter of our ultimate mission in China. From time to time General Wedemeyer had before him questions which involved a determination of this policy. Was his mission only to contain Japanese forces or was it to move toward the rearmament of China so that she would become a strong Asiatic power? Was it to help unify China under Chiang Kai-shek? How about Hong Kong? Etc.
It was pointed out that the military authorities would be substantially helped if they could be guided in these matters, as problems were daily arising in this area that required such guidance. Mr. Grew indicated that he would have these matters considered and the results reported to the Committee. He believed that some helpful instructions might be given to the military authorities.
- Assistant Secretary of War.↩