Marshall Mission Files, Lot 54–D270: Telegram
Lieutenant General Alvan C. Gillem, Jr., to General Marshall
339. At a special conference at 9 o’clock Saturday evening directed by the Generalissimo I discussed with him the status of field teams for Manchuria. Four conferences on this subject have failed to attain this objective. However, I am optimistic after an all morning session today, Sunday the 17th, and hope the question may be resolved in a second conference to be held this evening.
The Generalissimo last evening requested that I forward to you the following which I quote.22
- “a. The Plenary Session of the Central Committee of Kuomintang will close Sunday. The situation and the atmosphere of Saturday’s session was very favorable and optimistic. My concern over the political issue has been much clarified.
- b. The members of that Committee entrust me with full power to [Page 566] handle the Manchurian problems. They passed a motion not to interfere with me in any way pertaining to Manchuria.
- c. Originally the atmosphere in that Committee was very unsatisfactory. They wanted to overthrow the arrangements made in the past regarding Manchuria but now it turns out to be much more favorable.
- d. You need not worry about the anxieties I expressed to you before you left Chungking.”
New subject. Will comply with your direction for brief outline of political and military situation.23 At present there is no indication as to breach of faith of PCC commitments.
- In a memorandum of March 18 to President Truman, General Marshall quoted this message from Generalissimo Chiang and commented: “I notice in the press this morning his statement on the completion of the meeting of the Central Committee, which would seem to indicate that they have acted in good faith.” (121.893/3–1946) A copy of General Marshall’s memorandum was forwarded to the Secretary of State.↩
- See telegram No. 600, March 31, 4 p.m., from the Counselor of Embassy in China, p. 159.↩