893.796/4–1748: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Stuart)
610. Dept uninformed regarding plans to establish another American volunteer group.
Navy states allegation by Tsingtao area manager regarding discharge of Marine Corps personnel without basis in fact (Embtel 700 Apr 17). It happens that Marine Corps Aviation personnel with rank of Master Sergeant are presently overstrength and several master sergeants recently discharged at Tsingtao and authorized to remain in China on understanding they had gainful employment and would not become public charge. This may be basis for manager’s statement. Inform Tsingtao, and Shanghai.