Foreign Relations of the United States, 1946, The Far East: China, Volume IX

Marshall Mission Files, Lot 54–D270: Telegram

Mr. Walter S. Robertson to General Marshall

Peiping, 20 June 1946.

4294. Three-hour meeting of commissioners just completed. No agreement could be reached reference sending a team to Tsingtao. General Cheng Kai-min (National Government Commissioner) will agree to the dispatch of the team only on the following conditions: a. That the Communists agree to evacuate all cities illegally attacked and occupied and b. That pending such evacuation radio facilities for team members be limited to use of American equipment.

His reason for imposing the above conditions was based on military points of view that he could not take chance of Communist member using independent facilities to give military intelligence to Communist field commanders.

General Yeh (Communist Branch Commissioner) finally agreed to the dispatch of the team but would not accept conditions imposed by National Government Commissioner.

Comment: Yeh reiterated during his discussion that Communists would not attack Tsingtao.

Discussions complicated by many charges and counter charges of violations and particularly by report received this morning of killing of one National Government team member and wounding of another by Communist troops on June 19, the second such incident in 8 days. General Cheng warned that if Communists did not take immediate steps to prevent murder of team members National Government would not be able to guarantee safety of Communist team members within its areas. Report of incident follows in separate message.⁴⁰

As it was apparent no agreement could be reached, Commissioners decided that each would report the situation to his respective principal on the Committee of Three.⁴¹

40. See telegram No. 4293, p. 1110.

41. In his telegram No. 944, June 22 [20?], General Marshall told Mr. Robertson at Peiping: “I suggest consideration be given to the selection of a super field team for the special job of negotiating an agreement between the senior Communist commander and the senior Nationalist commander in that area [Shantung]. The initial ground work for this agreement should be done with the commanders individually and should include definition of areas and zones of control.

    “Employment of this special field team might be avoided [aided?] by having some distinguished American such as General Clement of the Marine Corps to meet with the two Shantung commanders concerned.” Brig. Gen. William T. Clement was Commanding General, 4th Marines (Reinf.), in China.