121.893/3–1646
Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek to President Truman
My Dear Mr. President: As General Marshall is returning to America, I am taking this opportunity to convey to you my sincere thanks and those of the Chinese people for having sent a man of his intellectual stature and sincerity to help us in our post-war reconstruction period. What General Marshall has been able to accomplish during the short period that he has been here, I feel certain, fulfills your expectations. As you know him so well, I will not mention the great qualities he possesses which eminently fit him for his task, a task at once delicate and withal so vital to the maintenance of world peace.
I hope that he will return to China immediately upon completion of his mission to America, for the seed that he has sown needs his presence to bring it to germination. I would like to add moreover that, to my mind, not only is General Marshall’s speedy return to China of urgent necessity, but his continued presence here for the next three years will play an important part in the stabilization of the Far East.
I have discussed at length with General Marshall certain subjects such as the importance of Manchuria in the broad picture of world security and peace; the basis of Sino-American co-operation, and the present political situation in China. I have asked him to convey to you my views and I shall appreciate it deeply if you would give them your full consideration.
With all good wishes,
Yours cordially,