893.00/2–2448: Telegram

The Ambassador in China ( Stuart ) to the Secretary of State

346. We have had preliminary discussions with General Barr on Mukden’s 120, February 1945 and 121 February 20,46 regarding military and political situation Manchuria and hope to discuss general question with Generalissimo upon his return Nanking, expected February 27. Barr is, of course, handicapped by lack of knowledge of actual situation Manchuria. Our best information is that Wei is requesting the impossible in that there are not three armies available to send to his support and we have a suspicion he may be aware of this fact. We should appreciate any comments Department may see fit to make.

Generalissimo’s secretary has reiterated desperate need Chinese forces for .30 and .45 ammunition and has queried whether it would be possible to declare surplus such ammunition, and possibly other needed war supplies in Japan theater and in Philippines. When he was told of our commitments to Philippines, he argued rather cogently that such ammunition, which might be declared surplus in Philippines today, could be used much more effectively in the interest of Philippines by meeting actual urgent need in Manchuria and preventing China from going Communist with resulting jeopardy to Philippine security than it would be if held to protect Philippines against some possible future contingency. He wondered whether we could not use our influence to persuade Philippine Government of the validity of this argument. Also he thought similar supplies in Japan should be much more valuable to the US in meeting immediate China problem than if held in reserve for some future need in Japan. There is continuing and convincing evidence that Chinese need for ammunition is real and urgent and we should appreciate Department’s comments on the above.

Stuart
  1. Sent to the Department as telegram No. 88, vol. vii, p. 97.
  2. Sent to the Department as telegram No. 89, ibid., p. 103.