893.00/5–1046: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in China49
107. Following from President. Eyes Alone General Marshall.
Thank you for your reasoned and informative report of May 6.50 I have read it with full appreciation of the difficulties that confront you, with approval of your methods and logic in meeting them, and with admiration for your determination to overcome them.
[Page 829]From your account of recent events, it seems to me that Chiang must soon become aware that his agreement to your proposals for achieving peace and unity cannot realistically be viewed as a self-denying relinquishment of Kuomintang power but should on the contrary be viewed as a means of preserving for him and the liberal element in the Kuomintang a place and influence in the government of a united China which otherwise might only be secured, and this doubtfully, by all-out civil war.
With regard to the Chinese Communists, it is apparent to me that the chances of unity would be greatly enhanced if there could be assurance that the opportunistic disregard for agreement which characterized their recent move in Manchuria would cease.
You may make such confidential use of these opinions as you may deem useful.
You may eliminate from the heavy burden you are carrying so well the concern expressed in the final paragraph of your message in as much as our confidence and support are not conditional.
The Acting Secretary of State joins me in the foregoing views and has sent a copy of your message to Secretary Byrnes.
With best regards and wishes,
Harry S. Truman.