Marshall Mission Files, Lot 54–D270: Telegram
Mr. James R. Shepley to General Marshall
98786. The President was harassed by an appointment jam and an upcoming cabinet meeting when I saw him yesterday. I told him briefly what I had to say and he directed me to give him a memorandum by today, which I have done. He said he wanted to see me again early next week after he had had a chance to digest it. His praise of your achievements was glowing. He indicates a strong desire to leave China to you and is interested largely in determining what, if any, further support he can give you.
In my memorandum I outlined briefly the situation as you found it and how you proceeded to get your results. The entire emphasis [Page 447] is on the critical necessity of a long range American program in China, to be directed by a top flight man in the post of Ambassador. I have explained how difficult it is for the Chinese to understand the technique of implementation and how you have been hand feeding this technique through the machinery of the Executive Headquarters.
When I arrived I learned from press accounts that Stassen55 is on the point of announcing his candidacy for the Senate. With this in mind and guided by your 218,56 I have mentioned General Wedemeyer to the President as a man who meets the many-sided qualifications that will be required in the Ambassador.
[Here follow brief reports on other subjects.]
- Harold E. Stassen, former Governor of Minnesota.↩
- Dated February 20, not printed; but it was intended for Mr. Shepley and included the following passage at the outset: “I have spoken to Wedemeyer regarding Ambassadorship to China. He will accept this position if he is asked. I may in the near future, recommend Wedemeyer to the President. I understand that Mr. Byrnes questioned him on this point last October. Also Generalissimo expressed desire for appointment. Use your judgment regarding discussion of the matter with President and Byrnes.”↩