893.34/9–2346

Memorandum by the Assistant Chief of Naval Operations (Dennison) to the Director of the Office of Far Eastern Affairs (Vincent)

1.
In late August, the Chief of Naval Operations requested Admiral Cooke to obtain General Marshall’s views on the method to be adopted in transferring naval vessels to China under Public Law 512.76
2.
Admiral Cooke has transmitted General Marshall’s views, in which he concurs, namely that the transfer should be an outright gift without any loan or payment provisions; and that the protocol apart from such contract should call for the transfer of certain alien property administration properties to the U. S. Government. Admiral Cooke recommends the following properties for consideration: [Page 802]

Shanghai—Acquisition of Glen Line building plus rights to use Kiangwan Airfield for 5 years.

Tsingtao—Acquisition of Edgewater Mansions Hotel at 52 Pacific Road plus rights to use Tsingtao Airfield (Marine Base #2) for 5 years.

Admiral Cooke proposes to submit further detailed recommendations on this subject later.
3.
Would you please let me have your views on General Marshall’s and Admiral Cooke’s recommendations?
R. L. Dennison
  1. An Act to provide assistance to the Republic of China in augmenting and maintaining a Naval Establishment, and for other purposes, approved July 16, 1946; 60 Stat. 539.