Marshall Mission Files, Lot 54–D270
Memorandum by General Marshall to General Hsu Yung-chang
On inquiry of General Chou En-lai as to when he would be available in Nanking for negotiations I learned that his movement plans were somewhat indefinite because of the probable non-availability of quarters in Nanking for about ten days and the fact that he has not been advised by the government as to when transportation would be made available. I am interested in view of the serious situation in Manchuria and the continued impasse in negotiations. It would be impracticable for me as a member of the Committee of Three to perform any useful service if General Chou is in Chungking and the Generalissimo and other members of the Committee are in Nanking.
I have offered to help out with some air transport and I think I can manage to transport the minimum number of people required by General Chou for his immediate assistance and his communications—about 50 persons and 1,500 pounds of baggage. But I am powerless to render any assistance regarding accommodations in Nanking.
I hope something can be done to permit the early establishment of General Chou and his principal people in Nanking. A delay can be very serious in its consequences.