711.93/1–2948: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Stuart)
153. Third paragraph of your number 181 January 2930 contains expression “unless effective military assistance is forthcoming”. Just what do you mean by the word “effective”.
[Page 9]Are you referring to material, or to leadership, or to advice, or to wholesale removal of incompetent or venal commanders, or to American troops, or to what?
Are you considering long-range result of charge of United States acceptance of responsibility for a military campaign with its inevitable international perils and probable tremendous demands of one kind or another?
I understand the proposals of your no. 181 regarding civilian matters but I am not clear as to military. Please give me your own personal and individual reaction.