121.893/9–2947
General Wedemeyer to the Secretary of State
Dear Mr. Secretary: I enjoyed very much your informal extemporaneous talk at the Chinese-American gathering in New York the other day. Subsequent to your departure I heard many favorable comments on the part of the Chinese. In connection with this subject I have been asked by the Chinese to make the principal address on Double Tenth in New York City. I made such a talk one year ago on a similar occasion. I discussed the matter with Mr. Lovett and he rightly pointed out that it would not be possible to make statements that would in any way imply projected United States policy in the Far East. He did feel that I might be able to depict the economic situation and suggested that it might be advisable to accept the invitation in order not to offend the Chinese. I have thought the matter through and have decided it would be better to continue the silence that I have exercised since my return to the United States. I felt certain that you would be in accord with this decision and I have notified tactfully [Page 780] the Committee for Double Tenth ceremonies that I would be unable to make the address.
On Thursday I talked to the President. He very kindly stated that he reacted favorably to the conclusions and recommendations of my report and indicated that he had turned his copy over to Admiral Leahy for study and comment. The President gave me a copy of your explicit instructions concerning continued security. All members of my Mission have been informed.
Mr. Lovett and Mr. Butterworth discussed with me the possible deletion of certain parts of my report, at least those references to the United Nations. I explained that I had submitted the report officially to you and to the President and had made available extra numbered copies to Mr. Lovett for such distribution to be determined by the Secretary of State. In the event that certain portions are extracted from the report to permit a very limited distribution including the Secretaries of Defense, Treasury, and Commerce, Mr. Butterworth suggested that a note be attached to such copies for my signature reading as follows: “There has been omitted from this written report one recommendation which I have conveyed directly to the President and the Secretary of State.”37 I explained to Mr. Butterworth that I would be glad to sign such a statement. Actually I feel that the distribution and handling in general of the report, including any future releases, should be the responsibility of the State Department.38
There is considerable information in the report that should reach certain Departmental heads in the Government very soon if timely and effective action is to be taken. My discussion with Mr. Butterworth was merely exploratory. He indicated that he would talk to Mr. Lovett and let me know subsequently the recommendations to be submitted to you.
I plan to submit an application for the award of the Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant Colonel Hutchin who accompanied my Mission. You are aware of his fine character and outstanding abilities. He was indefatigable and made a real contribution to any success that the Mission may have enjoyed. I felt that if I could submit the above-mentioned application through you in order to obtain an indorsement that might refer to the assistance he rendered in connection with your Mission it would greatly enhance the chance of approval.39 If you have no objection, therefore, I will prepare such a communication and refer it to you for indorsement. His loyal and efficient service fully merits in my opinion such commendation.
[Page 781]Inclosed herewith is a copy of a letter just received from Ambassador Leighton Stuart.40 It will assist you in determining reactions on the part of the Chinese to my Mission in general and specifically to the critical final press release. I mentioned in Washington in our first conference after my return that I did not see the Generalissimo subsequent to my press release. You inquired about this because I had stated earlier that the Generalissimo urged me so strongly to return to China as his supreme advisor. Ambassador Stuart now reports that he still desires me to return in that capacity which would indicate that the Generalissimo realized the constructive purpose of my criticisms.
Faithfully yours,