Marshall Mission Files, Lot 54–D270: Telegram
Mr. Walter S. Robertson to General Marshall
5605. American officer has investigated following National Govt, claims of Communist activities at Chefoo:
- a.
- That Chefoo has been used as supply base and port of entry and departure for Communist troops moving between Shantung and Kwantung Peninsula.
- b.
- That fortifications were being constructed in Chefoo and
- c.
- That Russian reconnaissance personnel has been operating on the Chefoo area.
Although the American observer selected the witnesses and conducted the questioning of each witness, local Communist authorities insisted that all such questioning be done in the presence of both military and civilian authorities. The observer was permitted to move with relative freedom within Chefoo proper but was not permitted to investigate Natl. Govt. claims, in other areas of northern [Page 1385] Shantung. Local Communist officials insisted that the observer be accompanied by military bodyguards whenever he left his billets.
Since the presence of Communist Party officials during the entire investigations may have intimidated the witnesses, it is felt that the results, though negative, are inconclusive as regards claims a and c above. The testimony did support the claim that fortifications at Chefoo have been strengthened.
The observer cannot state definitely whether troops and munitions have previously entered or left Chefoo. However, the observer believes such movements were not accomplished during his stay in the area particularly in view of the fact that the National Govt. naval blockade on Shantung Peninsula has virtually halted all shipping into or out of Chefoo.
Communist instructions to the observer prior to departure from Lini were:
- a.
- He would investigate claims concerning Chefoo only.
- b.
- The investigation was to be accomplished in a period of several days.
- c.
- Upon completion of the investigation the observer would return to Lini.
Prior to the observers departure from Chefoo, we directed that he remain there pending the results of our request to the Communist Party Branch to remove all restrictions from the conduct of the investigation. Local authorities refused the observer permission to remain in Chefoo and ordered his departure for Lini as originally scheduled.
Upon arrival there, Lini Hqs informed the observer that orders from Commissioner Yeh Chien-ying were required to reopen the investigation. Our request to General Yeh to lift the restrictions on the investigation was without results. The observer has now returned to Peiping.
Due to the restrictive conditions imposed by the Communist Party on the conduct of the investigation we consider that the testimony taken re previous troop and supply movements is invalidated and that portion of the investigation inconclusive. In view of the foregoing it is not contemplated that the investigation will be reopened.
- Telegram as sent July 18 apparently garbled in transmission; repeated July 19.↩