121.893/7–1447: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Davis) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 13—11 p.m.]
1694. Official Chinese Central News Agency reporting from Washington White House announcement of special mission for General Wedemeyer to China and Korea14 also stated:
“The White House announcement was unexpected and came as a complete surprise. Some informed quarters believe that the decision to dispatch General Wedemeyer on a special mission to China was the main object, with Korea as secondary, and was made between Secretary of State George C. Marshall and President Truman. It is also believed that this may mark some definite change in American policy towards China. The findings and observations of the experts will have important bearing on the timing and extent of tangible American assistance to China.
The Wedemeyer mission to China is regarded here as the most significant move by the United States in relation with Nanking since Marshall returned last January. Wedemeyer’s 6-week tour will be concerned with making an appraisal of the over-all situation in China and Korea.
It is generally regarded here that Wedemeyer is friendly to China and personally liked by President Chiang Kai-shek and his mission will be welcomed by the Chinese.
[Page 646]Wedemeyer is now Commanding General of the Second Army outside Baltimore and is reported to have visited Marshall twice last week although this could not be confirmed by the State Department. It is also generally known too that Wedemeyer would accept an appointment as American Ambassador to China if Marshall should decide so.”
- Released by the White House on July 11; Department of State Bulletin, July 20, 1947, p. 149.↩