121.893/9–747
Memorandum by General Wedemeyer
[Hawaii,] 7 September 1947.
Memorandum to Members of Mission:
In order to assist you in accomplishing your multifarious task, I feel that I should convey promptly my overall view concerning American policy in China.
[Page 770]- 1.
- I have already indicated that I want to recommend moral encouragement and material aid.
- 2.
- The form, priority and extent of that material assistance to be determined by conferences between appropriate agencies of the two governments.
- 3.
- Such material assistance will be supervised to insure that it is not misdirected and is used fully in consonance with the policies of our government.
- 4.
- The supervisors or advisors should constitute a China Mission similar to that which we sent to Greece. The Mission to have a civilian head—preferably an outstanding economist who is dynamic, fearless, intelligent and experienced. The Mission Head should have authority to communicate direct to the State Department and other pertinent agencies of our government. However, the Ambassador would remain the diplomatic representative of the U. S. and would be responsible within the purview of his office for representations of high level government nature.
- 5.
- I feel that we should approach the Manchurian problem very much as we have already approached the Korean problem, that is, that we attempt to establish a guardianship under five powers (U. S., USSR, Great Britain, France and China[)]. Failing this arrangement, for I believe Russia will refuse, then the matter should be referred to the United Nations for the establishment of a trusteeship. The request for guardianship and subsequently for trusteeship should be initiated by the Chinese Government. However, the United States could unquestionably make the suggestion that this course of action be taken.
- 6.
- The Chinese Government also should be asked to notify the United Nations of her request for material assistance and for the dispatch of a Mission predominantly economic.
A[lbert] C. W[edemeyer]