Marshall Mission Files, Lot 54–D270: Telegram
The Joint Chiefs of Staff to the Commanding General, United States Forces, China Theater ( Wedemeyer )
Warx 47513. 1. a. This directive supplements that contained in Warx 51593 of 24 October 1944,1 and becomes effective at the time the Joint Chiefs of Staff inform you of the capitulation of the Japanese National Government.
b. All of its provisions apply only in so far as action in accordance therewith does not prejudice the basic U. S. principle that the United States will not support the Central Government of China in fratricidal war.
c. In order that its provisions which concern Pacific Theater Forces may go into effect with complete coordination, you will without delay establish liaison with CinCAFPac and CinCPac.2
2. It is not proposed to involve U. S. ground forces in a major land campaign in any part of the China Theater. However, U. S. Pacific theater forces are preparing to secure control of key ports and communication points in the China Theater for the purpose of assisting China Theater forces. Command or operational control of U. S. forces entering the China Theater will pass to ComGenChina3 in accordance with arrangements to be mutually agreed upon by the commanders concerned. ComGenChina is responsible for coordination with Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek4 of the planning and execution of all operations in the China Theater.
[Page 528]3. In case Japanese forces in China continue resistance after capitulation of the Japanese home government, you will continue your present mission with reference to the Generalissimo and to U. S. forces under your command in the China theater. Your action on Japanese capitulation will be on the basis that military assistance will be continued for the present for the purpose of supporting Chinese military operations essential to the re-occupation by central government forces of all areas in the China theater now held by the Japanese, and the placing of Chinese occupation forces in Japan proper, Formosa, and Korea.
4. Dealings with Chinese forces and Chinese agencies in the China theater, other than those of the Central Government, will be strictly limited to requirements of the military situation. U. S. forces will turn over points in China liberated by them to agencies and forces accredited by the Central Government of China, except for any points such as Hong Kong, of which the status is in question, on which separate instructions will be issued if required.
5. It is desired that in so far as permitted by military considerations the surrender of Japanese forces in China, whether complete or piecemeal, will be to Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek or his representatives. U. S. Commanders under you may at your discretion and with the approval of the Generalissimo be authorized to accept temporarily for the Generalissimo local surrenders of Japanese forces. The principle will be that Japanese forces in China surrendering to any U. S. comanders will be turned over to the Chinese Central Government subject to the assurance of satisfactory arrangements and treatment on the part of the Chinese. In the event arrangements for either piecemeal or mass capitulation of Japanese in China involves dealings with the Japanese National Government, your channel will be to the Joint Chiefs of Staff on matters of policy and through CinCAFPac on detailed matters.
6. You will assist the Central Government in the rapid transport of Chinese Central Government forces to key areas in China. Other indicated U. S. support of these Chinese forces will be given as now normal to your mission.
7. Plans and preparations will be made on the basis that at least token Chinese forces will be included at an early date in the occupation of Japan proper and in Korea, and that re-occupation of Formosa will be a responsibility of the Chinese Central Government, with minimum U. S. assistance.
- Foreign Relations, 1944, vol. vi, p. 178.↩
- Commander in Chief, Army Forces in the Pacific, and Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Fleet.↩
- Lt. Gen. Albert C. Wedemeyer, Commanding General, U. S. Forces, China Theater, and Chief of Staff to the Supreme Allied Commander of the China Theater.↩
- President of the National Government of the Republic of China and Supreme Allied Commander of the China Theater.↩