Marshall Mission Files, Lot 54–D270: Telegram
Lieutenant General Albert C. Wedemeyer to the Chief of Staff ( Eisenhower )
21627. Subject is operation of Liberty ships by ComGenChina. Under plan approved at Tokyo conference 15 Jan 46 and War Department in 9233034 and 93933,35 China Theater will control operation of 25 Liberty ships. With respect to operation of these vessels it is desired that an answer be given to the following question: Under the directive am I authorized to approve the shipment of anything, materials, supplies, or personnel which Chinese may ask to any point in China? I know that I must have General Marshall’s approval prior to committing the United States.
The above question is based upon fact that the Generalissimo36 and members of the Chinese Government, including T. V. Soong,37 are known to be keenly disappointed that the ships have not been placed completely under Chinese control. It is certain that the National Government desires unrestricted control of the vessels in order that they could employ them without reference to the restrictions imposed by China Theater directives.