Marshall Mission Files, Lot 54–D270: Telegram
Mr. Walter S. Robertson to Lieutenant General Alvan C. Gillem, Jr.
1579. Communist New China News Agency English language release, Peiping, April 3, states Nationalist armies in Manchuria under terms of army reorganization program cannot at any time during 18 months reorganization period exceed 5 armies. Release adds, “in every settlement discussed in the three-man committee, the Government representative and the American representative confirmed that Nationalist troops which would enter the northeast would not be over the number of 5 armies.” This is same line being taken here by Commissioner Yeh and in Mukden by Lt. General Yao Shu Shih, senior Communist representative there. Suggested Committee of Three may wish to publicly correct foregoing misstatement before it comes to be generally accepted.
New subject. National Government commissioner has been absent from Executive Headquarters for 2 weeks. Communist commissioner for 1 week. Latter reported ill but there are indications that his illness may be diplomatic. I strongly protest absence of two commissioners at this critical time.