121.893/1–2446: Telegram

General Marshall to President Truman

[Extract]62

98. Dear Mr. President:…

. . . . . . .

Another subject: Here in Chungking I have moved quietly and very carefully since completion of “cease firing” mediation meetings to avoid criticism of barging into position of dictating. Formal request for me to act as advisor in three man group to determine on the nationalization of Chinese military forces had not been forthcoming, though the Generalissimo in writing had expressed such a desire to the Chinese two members of the original mediation group. Chou En-lai, Communist, had indicated his willingness to accept my services but had not addressed me formally. Today the government member sent me a formal request for my services and I am told that the Communist member had been prodded to do the same. Meanwhile the Government member of the Military Nationalization Committee called on me and stated the case from the Government side and I have provided him with a lengthy written presentation of my draft63 of the necessary instructions to be promulgated by the Government after agreement by the two sides. He will discuss this with me tomorrow and he hopes to bring about a meeting with General Chou, the Communist, and me the following day.

. . . . . . .

  1. For sections of telegram printed elsewhere in this volume, see pp. 142 and 373.
  2. Dated January 22, not printed. General Marshall apparently drafted this telegram on January 22; the original draft in his handwriting shows no date.