Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, The Far East: China, Volume IX

033.1100/9–1049

Memoramdum of Conversation, by Mr. Allen B. Moreland, Department of State Representative With the Huber Congressional Committee on Far Eastern Tour¹²

[Tokyo,] September 5, 1949.

Subject: General MacArthur’s Briefing of Huber Subcommittee.

Participants:	General MacArthur
	General Almond
	General Fox
	Congressmen: Huber
	Burnside
	Deane
	Riehlman
	Lovre
	Mr. Moreland
	Mr. Young
	Major Thompson

General MacArthur was asked what he thought was needed in China. His response was in substance as follows:

The basic objective of Soviet policy for generations has been to acquire warm water ports. This policy for the most part has been directed toward the Mediterranean but now they see the possibility of a much larger gain. It is apparent now that they are driving for the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. If they succeed they will have in their hands all of Asia and the Mediterranean, the continents of Africa and Europe will be flanked. This will leave North and South America completely isolated.

Relatively little effort will be required now to turn the tide in China but the longer we wait we will find difficulties mounting in geometric rather than arithmetic proportions. The communist forces are grossly overrated. Evidence of their weakness are slowness of their advances, the administrative and logistic difficulties which are inherent in their situation.

Chiang is surrounded by corrupt officials including corrupt generals. The Generalissimo is a highly intelligent individual but knows nothing of the art of war. The Generalissimo has, however, a driving determination and strength of character which makes him a natural leader.

If four things are done the tide can be turned. It involves hitting the Reds where they are weakest, namely in the air and on the sea. If these things are done immediately the situation can be saved:

a. Make a ringing declaration that the United States will support any and every one who is opposed to communism;

b. Place 500 fighter planes in the hands of some “war horse” similar to General Chennault;

c. Give volunteers the right to join such a fighting force without penalty;

d. Assign surplus ships to the Chinese Navy sufficient to blockade and destroy China coastal cities.

Since the Reds have no air protection and sea power this lead to their weakness would be devastating to them. The effect on morale on the Reds by unprotected strafing of ground forces would break their will to fight. If the Reds start losing the Chinese people will inevitably switch to the winning side.

When asked whether or not such action would precipitate a general war with the Soviets, the General stated that there was a certain amount of risk involved but he feels that the Soviets are powerless to conduct full-scale operations on that front.

In regard to Korea the General said substantially as follows:

South Korea is in no danger of being overrun by North Korea. The Kremlin has South Korea outflanked and knows that eventually it must go the way the continent of Asia goes. As long as South Korea is not a threat to North Korea no action will be taken by the Kremlin to absorb it as there would be nothing to gain by taking it over. However, if South Korea tries to take over North Korea retaliatory measures could certainly be expected. If the United States by default fails to support South Korea the consequences will be most devastating to the United States interests.

The General stated that great strides had been made in Japan during the Occupation in promoting democratic ideals and institutions. He further stated that it is fundamental American foreign policy that we should maintain our defensive installations in the Pacific and that Okinawa is the key to our system of defense in the Pacific.

Allen Moreland

12. Copy transmitted to the Department by the Acting Political Adviser in Japan (Sebald) in his covering despatch No. 625, September 10; received September 20. In a memorandum of September 27 to Livingston T. Merchant, of the Office of Far Eastern Affairs, Marshall Green, of the Division of Northeast Asia Affairs, stated: “Of immediate interest to FE is the attached despatch from POLAD, Tokyo, enclosing a résumé of General MacArthur’s remarks on China to the 5-man Huber Congressional Committee which has been visiting Japan. General MacArthur sets forth a four-point program for crushing the Chinese Reds.”

    For comment by the Director of the Office of Chinese Affairs, see memorandum of October 20, p. 558.