121.893/9–847: Telegram
General Wedemeyer to the Secretary of State
155. Dear Mr. Secretary: Members of Mission are working diligently in preparation of final report under ideal conditions completely isolated. Upon conclusion of fact-finding trips in China, I visualized using the last 5 or 6 days at Nanking in preparation of draft report and intended to use the period spent in Hawaii to review same carefully. However, the last week in Nanking we were beset by Chinese [Page 771] officials and groups rendering impossible the preparation of draft report. During the 8 days in Korea we were too involved in fact-finding. Therefore, although we are working day and night without letup, it may be impossible to complete report prior to present scheduled date of departure September 14. Our progress can be more accurately stated Thursday. It may be possible to conform to present schedule.
The urgency of the Mission’s finding and recommendations are realized and every effort is being made to expedite. It is understood that you will be leaving soon to attend General Assembly meetings in New York and that you will be absent from Washington a good portion of the next 6 weeks. Will you please express your desires concerning the time and place report should be submitted?
Reference is made to Ambassador Stuart’s radio résumé of my talk23 to assembled Chinese officials, including Generalissimo, members of State Council and Ministers. The Generalissimo strongly and repeatedly urged this talk and Ambassador Stuart concurred. At the conclusion the Ambassador stated that if my Mission served no other useful purpose, the value of the talk fully justified the presence of the Mission in China. I was particularly careful in presenting the data in a courteous manner in order not to offend the finer sensibilities of the venerable gentlemen and high officials present. I emphasized that I made the talk upon the repeated request of the Generalissimo to whom I had previously related observations. I refrained meticulously from any hint or suggestion concerning my conclusions or projected recommendations. This visibly piqued and disappointed Chinese officialdom. I prefaced the talk with the statement that I was appearing before the assembled officials as a friend and not as a Presidential Envoy. My action requires no defense or apology. However, the above information appears pertinent in the light of Ambassador Stuart’s message concerning the subject and also in view of both favorable and unfavorable Chinese reactions.
I have received requests from American radio and press agencies for comments, statements and for participation in radio forums. It is my belief that I should make no further statement whatsoever concerning the Mission and I have therefore been noncommittal. I do not plan to issue a press release upon my arrival in Washington and feel that the State Department should handle exclusively all information and publicity from now on out. Your reaction would be appreciated.
- August 22.↩