Marshall Mission Files, Lot 54–D270: Telegram
General Marshall to Colonel Marshall S. Carter
1615. Chinese Maritime Customs program is subject of this background message for your reference. General Marshall’s 1494 of 13 [Page 762] September sent to ComSeventh Fleet66 stated “I just read your 11041367 recommending sale of limited quantities of weapons and ammunition to Maritime Customs. I would prefer that you stop any possible sale for this purpose for time being.”
Admiral Cooke reopened question requesting approval in principle only and on 24 September, General Marshall[’s] 155268 said in part “Amount of munitions involved is not large, but I am concerned over fact some of it, regardless of amount, might fall into hands of combat troops, and also that a damaging publicity campaign can be manufactured out of such transfer. However, I will concur in principle to transaction but request that Maritime Customs office be required to give formal assurance this ammunition will not be employed in civil strife.”
It then appears to have been taken up in Washington resulting in dispatch of Chief of Naval Operations’ message of 4 October saying: “In view of General Marshall’s comments, the State Department would only with reluctance concur in principle transfer of arms and ammunition. In addition mechanism for transfers under Public Law 51269 has not yet been developed. It would therefore be necessary to obtain special Presidential approval in this instance. In light of above, transfer of arms and ammunition to Chinese not approved at this time.”