Foreign Relations of the United States, Diplomatic Papers, 1945, The Far East, China, Volume VII

Nanking Embassy Files, Lot F–73: Telegram

The Commanding General, United States Forces, China Theater (Wedemeyer), to the Chief of Staff, United States Army (Eisenhower)

[Chungking,] 25 November 1945.

[CFB 15639] References are War 84094,⁶⁹ 84149, 84663, 85012⁷⁰ and related servicing msgs [messages]. Understand here now that the sentence incorrectly received initially, does not express a State Department view but asks a question. Herewith comments based upon the change—(it is—is it)—It is definitely desirable that the Marines hold Chinwangtao, Taku, Tientsin, Tsingtao for their own purposes and also to effect repatriation of Japanese. Further it would be desirable and may become necessary that other ports along the China Coast be held by U. S. Forces to make possible Japanese repatriation and to preclude interference by Chinese Communists or dissident elements. It should be pointed out that holding ports by Marines or other U. S. Forces is only a partial solution to repatriation of enemy forces. The latter must be disarmed, concentrated and moved to these ports. At present the Chinese Central Government Forces are unable to do this and concurrently cope with situation created by Chinese Communists.

Note: The Marines are holding Peking because appropriate airdrome facilities are not available elsewhere in the area they now occupy.

69. Telegram of November 19 from the Chief of Staff, U. S. Army, to the Commanding General, U.S. Forces, China Theater, p. 644.
70. None found in Department files.