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

893.20 Missions/4–2546: Telegram

The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Smith) to the Secretary of State

Moscow, April 25, 1946—11 a.m.
[Received 2:37 p.m.]

1327. Military Advisory Group to China is subject. Following is translation of Vyshinski’s⁴¹ letter of April 19 to Kennan’s letter of March 2 to Molotov⁴² (ReEmbtel 626, March 2⁴³):

“In connection with Mr. Kennan’s letter of March 2, to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the USSR, V. M. Molotov, in which it is stated that the Govt of the United States intends soon to begin negotiations with the Chinese Government regarding the establishment [of] a group of United States military advisers in China in the near future, I submit the following:

The Soviet Govt is aware that American military advisers have already been in China for a long time and it would therefore be grateful for clarification as to whether the negotiations have as their purpose the concluding of an agreement relative to the group of American military advisers already in China or whether the negotiations mentioned concern the establishment of a new group of military advisers. The Soviet Government would also appreciate information regarding the number contemplated for the group of the American military advisers in China.”

Smith

41. Andrey Yanuaryevich Vyshinsky, Soviet Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs.
42. Vyacheslav Mikhailovich Molotov, Soviet Minister for Foreign Affairs.
43. Not printed; it reported transmission of letter dated March 2 to Mr. Molotov giving information contained in Department’s telegram No. 342, February 27, 7 p.m., p. 824.