Marshall Mission Files, Lot 54–D270
Memorandum by General Chou En-lai to Colonel J. Hart Caughey
Your Memorandum dated April 12th has been received. With keen interest we are paying attention to the proceedings of all the preparatory works in regard to the inauguration of the Training Center under the assistance of the United States. However, we are lack of experience, it is desirable that every coordination be proceeded after consultations.
General Chang Tsun-sun, about whom I had informed General Alvan C. Gillem before, had arrived Peiping at the end of March and has since been waiting there for negotiation. General McClure told me that he would go to Peiping on the 10th instant to consult with Chang Tsun-sun, and then both of them would fly together to Kalgan to investigate and prepare every proceeding. But whether they have arrived or not I am not yet informed.
According to General Gillem’s estimation the Training Center will start on May 1st, while General McClure said that it would not start earlier than June 1st. I have no idea about this because everything will be decided by substantial conditions, particularly, by the result of investigations made by General McClure and General Chang. I know only that due to inadequacy of communication facilities the officers to attend the Training would not be able to proceed there in time without being transported by planes. All the interpreting officers who would work in the Training Center will also be transported by planes from Chungking, but the exact date of flying has not been scheduled.
The remaining matters will be decided through consultation between General Chang Tsun-sun and General McClure when they meet.
Sincerely yours,