Marshall Mission Files, Lot 54–D270
Document Prepared by Lieutenant General Alvan C. Gillem, Jr.
Basis for Discussion by Committee of Three in Connection With the Problems Which Have or May Arise in Manchuria and Which Must Be Resolved
The principles outlined herein are drawn in accordance with the procedure visualized in first sentence of the stipulation to the agreement reached by Committee of Three on 27 March, 1946.93 The underlying purpose of the inclusion of this sentence was to assist in the resolution of problems which could not be definitely foreseen at the time of signature. A wide variety of situations were perforce visualized as incident to reoccupation of Manchuria by Chinese National forces subsequent to the withdrawal of allied Russian troops. The presence of Chinese Communist forces in the Northeast must likewise be considered in the premises.
As a prelude, it is essential that both sides recognize and acknowledge that as a basis the “Cease Fire Agreement” must be accepted at least in principle. A special stipulation of that agreement has been accepted as a legal means for directing movements into and within Manchuria of the National forces. Therefore, the document to which this stipulation is appended must be recognized in its entirety, also portions thereof do not warrant utilization.
Likewise the document agreed to and signed on 27 March, 1946, by the Committee of Three contains an appended statement designed for circumstances that have arisen in Manchuria, and which now warrant remedial action. The purpose of both of these aforementioned documents was to assist in eliminating hostilities between the Communist and National forces. Therefore, it is deemed the primary duty of the Committee of Three to examine both and derive therefrom a means of implementing and achieving the desired objective. The [Page 745] presence of the field teams in Manchuria is of itself prima facie evidence that forces of both parties are present in the Northeast, regardless of methods of entrance and aside from any claims false or accurate, as to how or why their presence exists within the Northeast area. Therefore the following procedures are utilized as a basis for determining ways and means of avoiding bloodshed. All procedures must be recognized as interim measures designed to meet exigencies of a critical, though by no means insoluble problem.
It is visualized that legal procedures properly authenticated by authorized government agencies, should at the earliest moment, execute their normal functions, (lacking the military agency known as Military Government). Both forces must accept situations which have grown up during a period of uncertainty and irregularity. Likewise consideration must be given by both sides to the fact that pending the completion of the coalition government the National Government as constituted has authenticated with the Russian Government an agreement known as the Sino-Soviet Treaty of 14 August, 1945.
For purposes of facilitating the execution of the missions of the Field Teams and with a consciousness of stipulation 2 of the original cease fire and the stipulation to the agreement of 27 March, 1946, the guiding principles set forth in the Appendix hereto94 will be utilized in the solution of problems arising in the field.