Marshall Mission Files, Lot 54–D270: Telegram
Mr. Walter S. Robertson to General Marshall
2372. As previously reported freedom of field team movements has at times been restricted by interference of military and civil officials, but more often by refusal of Chinese team member to investigate situations involving reported violations by his side. Particularly has this latter been the case during the past weeks, with the Communist members being the chief offenders. The result has been an appreciable reduction of accurate information to Executive Headquarters. The problem is serious since it is believed extensive troop movements have been and are now going on unobserved and therefore unchallenged. We endeavored to correct situation on 21 March along lines suggested by you, as reported our 1082,38 but, as indicated, we were blocked by Communist Commission[er] who insisted that proposal would have to be submitted to Chou En-lai for decision. Gen. Gillem later reported verbally that he was unable to obtain Chou’s concurrence. Again Friday morning the Commissioners considered an American proposal: (a) To issue appropriate orders prohibiting either military or civil officials from delaying or obstructing in any way the movement of field teams; and (b) After requiring the full team to visit any particular area chosen by the vote of 2 members of the team. The Government Commissioner leading concurred in these proposals. The Communist Commissioner concurred in proposal (a), but regarding (b) again took the position that he did not have authority to agree since any action taken by other than unanimous agreement of the three members of the team involved a principle which would have to be submitted both to Yenan and Nanking for consideration and advice. We are now awaiting high level Communist reply.
It is my opinion that General Yeh would have agreed on both occasions but from [for?] the restraining influence of the political commissars by whom he is surrounded and who, during his illness of the past 4 weeks, have unvagely [sic] been acting for him. The principal Communist representatives both here and in the field are now employing every kind of tactics to prevent any action other than what is proposed by them. This general attitude makes it appear that instructions [Page 810] must have been issued at the highest level to employ such tactics pending outcome of Manchurian discussions.
The foregoing is for your background information in event question should be raised by Chou En-lai in Committee of Three.