121.893/7–1247
Memorandum by General Wedemeyer to Members of Mission
1. Our objective is to examine and appraise the current and projected political, economic, psychological and military situations in China (to include Manchuria and Formosa) and Korea in order to submit to the President and the Secretary of State appropriate recommendations concerning American policies and programs.
2. Our mission is being dispatched by the President with the view of obtaining factual material and of making careful analyses of events transpiring in those areas. The duration of the mission will probably be from six weeks to two months. A final comprehensive report will be submitted upon return to the U. S. Interim suggestions may be dispatched if circumstances warrant.
3. The mission will not concern itself with problems involving the coalition of National Government and Communist elements. (The creation of conditions in China, Korea or in any other area of the world that would facilitate the establishment of totalitarian government or communistic ideologies is not consistent with United States policies and objectives.) Members of the mission must be alert to discover ways and means of progressively developing a political and economic structure in China, compatible with American principles and policies.
4. I desire all members of the mission to strive for objectivity. Although individual members have been given the specific assignments indicated below, each member must consider the broader aspects, not only of the internal situation in China and Korea, but also of the position that each nation assumes in the future of the world. For example, if you have been designated to investigate fiscal matters, you should not confine your observations, discussion and recommendations to such matters only, but you also should contribute as much as possible to the success of the mission as a whole by freely conveying observations and expressing your opinions concerning all matters of interest to the mission. Free expression of views on the part of all members is earnestly enjoined. (Considerations of rank et cetera are definitely not conducive to the most effective mental contribution.)
5. Assignment of Duties:
| Captain James J. Boyle | —Assistant to the Executive, Aide-de-Camp and in Charge of Secretariat. |
| Captain Horace Eng | —Aide-de-Camp and Interpreter. |
| M/Sergeant Alvin Garbs | —Assistant to the Executive and Orderly. |
| S/Sergeant Albert J. Gasdor | —Assistant to the Executive and Stenographer. |
| Lt. Colonel C. E. Hutchin, Jr. | —Executive—Correlate and integrate all activities and projects of the Mission including itineraries, appointments, conferences, communications, administration, security measures and records. Consider military aspects of the situation in China and Korea. Strategic implications of the possible loss to China of Manchuria. |
| Mr. David Ross Jenkins | —Fiscal Advisor—Analyze the governmental fiscal situation of China and Korea. Investigate stabilization of Chinese currency—amortization of existing and projected financial commitments. The ability of the Chinese to expend monies loaned them by the U. S. in a constructive and timely manner including that already furnished through UNRRA, surplus property transfer and reparations from Japan. |
| Mr. Philip Sprouse | —Political Advisor—Determine the feasibility of continued U. S. cooperation with existing political structure and the possibility of the introduction of new measures which will strengthen or progressively create a Chinese political and economic structure compatible with our own. Study and appraise the attitude of the Chinese people at large toward the U. S. and U. S. policy, toward the National Government and the Chinese Communists. |
| Rear Admiral Carl A. Trexel | —Engineering Advisor—Determine the feasibility and practicability of engineering projects that are in process, either as new construction or rehabilitation. Engineering projects that will strengthen the economy will also be considered. Such engineering projects will include internal waterways, mining, electric power, reclamations of land, communications, (air, road, rail and water) and agriculture. Examine these projects, in collaboration with the Economic Advisor to determine their impact, inflationary and otherwise, on the Chinese economy. |
| Mr. Melville H. Walker | —Economic Advisor—Determine ways and means to facilitate the development and distribution of raw and processed materials. Special emphasis should be placed upon industries including the production of coal, cotton goods, silk, foodstuffs and metals. In collaboration with the Engineering Advisor, make an appraisal from the economic standpoint of engineering projects proposed for China’s reconstruction, such as electric power, communications, waterways, etc., and analyze the contribution of each to Chinese reconstruction. Analyze effect of the possible loss to China of the resources of Manchuria and the contribution made if integrated with Soviet economy. |
| Mr. Mark Watson | —Press Relations Advisor—Supervise all matters pertaining to press and radio, and attempt to preclude embarrassing releases by anticipatory planning. Arrange press conferences only after consultation with head of mission. Anticipate [Page 645] appropriate press releases at all points where mission stops en route and during presence in Far East. No member of the mission will make statements for press or radio release without prior clearance by the head of mission. It is important that we not antagonize the press or cause malicious conjectures or misinterpretations. |
6. The Mission Executive will inform you of all details pertaining to your trip. The U. S. Ambassador13 and the members of his staff have been alerted by the Secretary of State to render every assistance to our group. General MacArthur has agreed to do likewise with reference to Korea.
- J. Leighton Stuart.↩