Marshall Mission Files, Lot 54–D270: Telegram
Mr. Walter S. Robertson to General Marshall
6268. Re our message on this subject July 30.18 Both Communist and National Government Commissioners have suggested independently of each other that we immediately despatch a fact-finding team to An Ping to investigate Marine incident there on July 29. National [Page 1427] Government Commissioner stated that he had received instructions from Generalissimo ordering dispatch of team. Communist Commissioner said his first information came from newspapers shortly followed by a report from Communist Command that area which stated “on July 29, 60 Marines and 80 National Government soldiers opened attack upon 53rd Regiment Communist Army resulting in many casualties.” General Yeh19 advised that he had requested additional information as he considered report lacking in essential details. In view of our advice to you that team should not be sent unless you deemed it advisable please reply urgently if you concur in the suggestions made.