Office of the Historian

Marshall Mission Files, Lot 54–D270: Telegram

General Marshall to the Acting Secretary of State36

Washington, July 2, 1946.

1032. Dear Acheson: No negotiations yesterday, Monday. Generalissimo probably discussing with his people basis for his meeting with Chou En Lai at 10 this morning. Whether or not suggestion that a small high level group meet immediately to attempt a political solution to problem of local government I have not yet been informed. Local public opinion among inner Kuomintang bureaucracy is that [Page 1278] Generalissimo’s press release of Sunday was merely a sop to me and for purpose of placing Government in better position public and probably preliminary to launching a military campaign.

I am so closely engaged and so close to the trees that I may lack perspective. Therefore I would appreciate your and Vincent’s37 frank and quite informal reactions to present developments and the imperative issues that might soon and suddenly arise.

G. C. Marshall
  1. Copy transmitted on July 2 by the War Department to the Acting Secretary of State, Dean Acheson.↩
  2. John Carter Vincent, Director of the Office of Far Eastern Affairs.↩