Marshall Mission Files, Lot 54–D270
Minutes of Meeting Between General Marshall and Dr. Peffer at No. 5 Ning Hai Road, Nanking, December 20, 1946, 10:45 a.m.
| Also present: | Colonel Caughey |
Dr. Pfeiffer opened the meeting by stating that he had traveled widely through China, renewing contacts with the many people whom he had learned to know during his twenty years of visiting China; that he had discussed current problems with these people who represented all parties and all walks of life. Dr. Pfeiffer said he tried to be objective, and as a result of his discussions and observations, had concluded that the best course for the United States to take, under the circumstances, is to withdraw the military completely, including Executive Headquarters, Marines, and the Advisory Group. As a foundation for this conclusion, Dr. Pfeiffer continued by stating that he was startled by anti-American feeling which is prevalent among all Chinese. This feeling is not based on any party line. As an example, he referred to a Lady Cripps’ dinner party at which, although he, an American, was present, an anti-American tirade reached a pitch which necessitated his withdrawal therefrom.
Dr. Pfeiffer stated that it is natural for the Communists to be anti-American because of the intense Communist propaganda, but that he found the same feeling among all other Chinese groups, particularly among the liberals who feel that U. S. assistance in backing the Kuomintang prevents governmental reform and who feel that if the United States does assist China, it should be done in such a way as to force and direct governmental reform.
Dr. Pfeiffer continued by stating that the consensus among Chinese was that we actually were not helping China since civil war was continuing, and therefore raised the question as to why United States forces are here. Dr. Pfeiffer added that these same Chinese, if pressed and if inclined to give an honest reply, would say that they know the real reason; that is, the United States is afraid of Russia, and desires to retain a foothold in China for use as possible future bases.
General Marshall asked Dr. Pfeiffer what his reaction would be to the military withdrawal he just suggested if a good constitution were adopted, a genuine governmental procedure for the benefit of the people were adopted, and a genuine reorganization in the Government, particularly the Executive Yuan, were instituted. Dr. Pfeiffer replied that the odds were five to one that the three things just mentioned by General Marshall would never come to pass, but that in order to capitalize on the one chance, he still felt that the Executive Headquarters, Marines, and Advisory Group should be withdrawn: that this, in effect, would assist in causing these three things to come to pass.
[Page 647]General Marshall then told Dr. Pfeiffer that Dr. Stuart had stated that Dr. Pfeiffer was resentful of the “luxurious” living conditions afforded Americans of Executive Headquarters. General Marshall continued by outlining the difficult circumstances under which these people worked and lived: that several had been wounded; that many had been evacuated for medical reasons; that these people were going ahead with their work in the face of duplicity which threatens their lives. With respect to Marines, several have been killed.
Dr. Pfeiffer hastened to add that he, personally, did not feel resentful, and that he was merely reporting the Chinese attitude to those members of Executive Headquarters living in Peiping. Dr. Pfeiffer stated that it was unfortunate and the reaction is probably based on what he thinks is a growing psychological trend among the Chinese against Americans in general, and against U. S. assistance to the Kuomintang in particular.