Marshall Mission Files, Lot 54–D270
Memorandum by General Marshall to General Yu Ta-wei
Dear General Yu: I have just received information from General Clement and also from Executive Headquarters indicating that the proposed meeting scheduled between Nationalist and Communist military representatives in Shantung province has been postponed because of General Chen-I’s presence with his troops on the Chiao-Tsi front. The continued aggressive action of the National forces along the Tsingtao–Tsinan railroad is dominating the situation in Shantung.
In elaboration of my discussion with you yesterday, I wish again to mention my concern over the probability that aggressive military action during the present period will lead to irredeemable chaos. My concern is centered around the Hopeh and North Kiangsu situation, as well as the situation in Shantung province.