Marshall Mission Files, Lot 54–D270
Memorandum by Lieutenant General Alvan C. Gillem, Jr., to General Chang Chih-chung
Following has been received from the Three Commissioners for the Committee of Three:
[1224.] Reports from our teams indicate that railway reconstruction is progressing in most areas. However, American reports from Kaomi, Tsinan and Nankou state that reconstruction work is being stopped. One of the reasons given by Communist team member is that military fortifications have not been destroyed in accordance with instructions given in Directive No. 4A.50 Executive Headquarters is also in receipt of message from twelve teams requesting interpretation of that provision in Directive 4A reading as follows: “Commanders will remove or destroy at once all mines, blockhouses, blockades, fortifications, or other military works on and along lines of communications which interfere with the operation of such lines.” This statement has been given different interpretations by Nationalist and Communist representatives both here and in the field. The Communists contend that all fortifications on and along lines of communication interfere or potentially interfere with the operation of such lines. The Nationalists contend that only such fortifications should be destroyed that actually block operation and that certain pill-boxes are necessary to protect lines from banditry.
The last evening in Hankow at a meeting51 attended by the Committee of Three and the Three Commissioners, the U. S. Commissioner informed the Committee of Three of this situation and requested that Executive Headquarters be advised of the correct interpretation of the above statement. This is urgent unsettled problem which is creating many difficulties and we would appreciate your early consideration and advice.
Similar memorandum submitted to General G. C. Marshall and General Chou En-lai.
J. Hart Caughey
Colonel, G. S. C.