123 Davies, John: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6:32 p.m.]
1752. As reported in my 1722, October 24, Stilwell and his HDQ did not inform me of detail of Davies and Emmerson to Yenan. Davies told me he was proceeding there (Reurtel 1378, October 25) to check on the work being done by Service. Emmerson stated he was to look into psychological warfare, interview Japanese prisoners, and study the “Japanese Peoples’ Emancipation League” movement centering in the Communist area. Service alone seems to have been functioning as political observer and reporter and, as I have reported to Department, Stilwell ordered him to proceed to Washington but did not inform Embassy of such action. Ludden is attached to the 20th Bomber Command Group which went to Yenan seeking military intelligence. I am told he is in the field with that group somewhere outside Yenan. He has not functioned as political advisor, observer or reporter but apparently as language officer and China specialist to assist the command in their relations with Chinese and in understanding Chinese reports and material.
Davies did not so inform me but I am told reliably that he intends to “offer the services” of the Foreign Service group to Stilwell’s successor. Davies did tell me that Stilwell had recommended to War Department that no action be taken in regard to the Foreign Service officers attached to Stilwell’s Headquarters until arrival Stilwell at Washington and arrival his successor at Chungking. This was probably at instance of Davies. The latter’s office at New Delhi Headquarters was designated as the Office of Political Advisors. In reply to my inquiry, Davies admitted he had not been appointed a political advisor but said the designation was given to the office for lack of any more appropriate title.
[Page 664]I believe the change command at Chungking should offer opportunity for a more satisfactory understanding as to the need for Foreign Service officers at Headquarters, their duties, relative position, and relation to Embassy. I do not believe there is any occasion to designate political advisors to Army Headquarters in countries where we have Diplomatic Missions. FSO’s of relatively appropriate rank and ability might serve effectively at Headquarters as liaison officers on a staff level, but in my opinion more important political matters should be discussed with the Chief of Mission or Counselor of the Embassy.
Stilwell’s successor has not yet arrived at Chungking. When he does so, I shall seek an early opportunity to discuss with him the matter of Foreign Service officers detailed to his Headquarters, their duties, et cetera.