794A.02A/2–2354
No. 170
The Assistant Secretary of Defense
for International Security Affairs (Nash) to the Deputy Assistant
Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs (Drumright)
Dear Mr. Drumright: Reference is made to your letter of 5 January 19541 concerning the assignment of four Army officers as advisers to the Political Department of the Chinese Ministry of National Defense and to the Peace Preservation Corps (PPC).
This office has been informed that the primary functions of the Political Department are concerned with political indoctrination, anti-subversive, morale and special service activities. The primary functions of the Peace Preservation Corps are the detection and trial of criminals and subversives within the civilian populace, as well as providing security for Chiang Kai-shek and important National Government Republic of China installations. These activities, except where they interfere with training, do not appear to be related to the mission of the Advisory Group.
The Department of Defense agrees that measures should be employed to avoid interference on the part of the Political Department with the training objectives established by the Military Assistance Advisory Group. However, neither the military departments nor this office believe that the assignment of political advisory personnel will eliminate this objectionable interference.
In a message, dated 13 February 1954,2 General Chase stated that Chiang Kai-shek has decided to form a combined Sino-American committee to investigate allegations that the Political Department was increasingly interfering with the authority of the Chinese Army Commanders. General Chase considers this a good idea and has accepted a place on the committee. He has advised further that very frank discussion between the Chief, Army Section and General Chiang Ching-kuo has helped somewhat.
Since the interference appears to occur in connection with execution of orders of General Chiang Ching-kuo, the solution would seem to be in influencing Chiang Kai-shek and Chiang Ching-kuo to initiate corrective measures. The combined committee which is [Page 366] to be formed, in the opinion of this office, may provide a means to this end.
In view of the foregoing, the assignment at this time of advisers to MAAG Formosa for this purpose is considered unwarranted.
Sincerely yours,
Vice Admiral, USN
Director, Office of
Foreign Military Affairs