Foreign Relations of the United States, 1947, The Far East: China, Volume VII

893.00/4–2847

Memorandum by the Director of the Office of Far Eastern Affairs (Vincent) to the Secretary of State

[Washington,] May 2, 1947.

Nanking’s message is indicative of what we may expect from the Chinese Government in the near future in the way of a request for military and economic assistance.

[Here follows summary of telegram No. 916, April 28, midnight, from the Ambassador in China, printed supra].

Following are our recommendations:

1. Financial assistance. We await the presentation of a formal request, which is anticipated shortly.

2. Ammunition and 3. 8⅓ group program. Inasmuch as the problem of military assistance to China is now under review by Joint Chiefs of Staff, we should await their recommendations.

4. American military adviser. General Lucas⁹⁵ is already in China and we perceive no reason for sending an additional adviser.⁹⁶

J[ohn] C. V[incent]

95. Maj. Gen. John P. Lucas, Chief, American Army Advisory Group in China.
96. An attached memorandum of May 6 indicated agreement by the Secretary of State with these recommendations.