893.00/11–2445: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Robertson) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 24—1:21 p.m.]
2033. On November 23 Admiral Barbey67 called at Embassy to discuss report he proposed sending Secretary of Navy on military situation in China between Yellow River and Great Wall. According to Barbey, there are still approximately 300,000 armed Japanese in this area. Pie summarized possible courses of action open to American authorities as follows:
- 1.
- To transport sufficient National Govt troops into area to disarm Japanese. In Admiral Barbey’s opinion, 500,000 Chinese Govt troops would be required for this purpose, necessitating large-scale operation on part of American military. Such action would, of course, greatly increase present American criticism that United States is participating in China’s civil war on side of National Govt.
- 2.
- To immediately evacuate Marines. In Barbey’s opinion, Japanese troops are superior in arms and equipment to Communist troops. Such being the case, the Japanese would continue to dominate large cities and communications in area as before V–J Day, giving them political and economic control over area.
- 3.
- To refuse further assistance in the transportation of National Govt troops, [to?] disarm Japanese, and evacuate Communists [them?]. Communists would then move in and occupy territory over which they have hitherto exercised control, completely separating China from Manchuria. Such action he saw [said?] would be tantamount to participating in China’s civil war on side of Communists. Both (2) and (3) would cause bitter criticism on part of National Govt.
Admiral Barbey tentatively recommends:
- a.
- The exertion of every pressure possible upon Central Govt and Communists to reach an agreement, even if such an agreement involves giving Mao Tse-tung the complete political and military control he demands of Communist-dominated provinces. Even though only a loose federation might result, a breathing spell would be provided in which to attempt to work out solution with Russia.
- b.
- The repatriation of all Japanese in China including Manchuria (estimated at 4 million) in American ships operated with Japanese crews.
With regard to Barbey’s recommendation (a), Embassy is of the opinion, and so informed Barbey, that Chiang Kai-shek is not likely to concede armed control of Communist provinces to Mao Tse-tung and further that Mao, with apparent Russian underground collaboration and support and time running in his favor, may not be interested in reaching an agreement.
- Adm. Daniel E. Barbey, Commander of the Seventh Amphibious Force.↩