Marshall Mission Files, Lot 54–D270
Statement to the Press by General Marshall
General Marshall is daily engaged in discussions with representatives of the Chinese political parties and others concerning the restoration of peace in Manchuria. He is deeply concerned over the critical situation in North China and is endeavoring by every means within his power to avoid the spread of the fighting in Manchuria to this region. The present publicity or propaganda campaigns conducted by both sides naturally inflame feelings and increase the possibility of some hot-head precipitating a general conflagration. This reckless propaganda of hate and suspicion seriously aggravates the present serious situation and can lead to results that would be disastrous for the people of China.
Operation of truce teams has been made especially difficult by the spreading of the propaganda among the officers and soldiers of both sides and it is on the success of these teams that China must largely depend for the effort at least to localize, if not suppress, conflict. The American members of the teams are coping with conditions that involve, not only hardship, but the risk of their lives in a determined and impartial effort to better the situation.