Foreign Relations of the United States, 1946, The Far East: China, Volume X

Marshall Mission Files, Lot 54–D270: Telegram

Lieutenant General Albert C. Wedemeyer ²⁸ to the Chief of Staff (Eisenhower)

Shanghai, 21 January 1946.

20771. Subject is 25 Liberty ships for support of Chinese Armies read 92330.²⁹ Plan adopted after conference with SCAP³⁰ representatives embodies staff agency similar to SCAJap³¹ under control of ComGen, China working through the Chinese National Shipping Administration to operate these 6 ships and other ships subsequently released. Actual operation will be by acceptable Chinese shipping companies such as the China Merchants Steam Navigation Company, under rigid supervision of ComGen China. Since it is not permissible to operate these vessels under a Chinese flag, request authority to operate under a special flag to permit more latitude in use than would be possible under American flag and regulations. Flag specifications will follow soonest. General Marshall³² concurs.

28. Commanding General, U. S. Forces. China Theater.
29. Telegram of January 10, not printed.
30. Supreme Commander. Allied Powers.
31. Shipping Control Administrator, Japan.
32. General of the Army George C. Marshall, Special Representative of President Truman in China.