Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948, The Far East: China, Volume VIII

811.2393/10–1848

Mr. John R. Steelman, Assistant to President Truman, to the Acting Secretary of State

Washington, October 18, 1948.

Dear Mr. Secretary: By direction of the President, I am sending you herewith, for your information, a copy of a memorandum which he has today forwarded to the Secretary of Defense.

Very sincerely yours,

John R. Steelman

[Enclosure]

Memorandum by President Truman to the Secretary of Defense (Forrestal)

Washington, October 18, 1948.

After conversations with the Director of E.C.A. and his representative in China, I would suggest that the withdrawal from Tsingtao not take place at this time, and that aid to North China be expedited.

Harry S. Truman