Marshall Mission Files, Lot 54–D270: Telegram
Colonel Marshall S. Carter to General Marshall
94850. Although they are most reluctant to nonconcur in your views on Article 22 of the proposed draft agreement on MAG reference Nanking’s 1132 of 13 July, War and Navy are greatly disturbed at the implications of omitting the article. While the good intentions of the Generalissimo to utilize American type organization and procedure are not questioned, it is the view of War and Navy that Chinese would use desires of other governments to furnish military aid as lever to increase magnitude of assistance from the U. S. beyond that which would otherwise be in the best U. S. interest. In this connection, the Sino-Soviet Treaty of 14 August 194550 contains in exchange of notes related thereto a record of an understanding that the Government of the USSR will render to China moral support and aid, military supplies and other material resources. There appears to be a definite possibility of present or future connection between this agreement with Russia and the Chinese reluctance to agree to Article 22 as now proposed. State Department continues to hold views expressed in paragraph 3 (a) of State telegram no. 418 of 8 July.
This matter has not yet been taken to highest levels of State, War and Navy, but the feeling is so strong down the line that it appears desirable to acquaint you accordingly. It is suggested that a compromise consisting of a separate special agreement or a pertinent exchange of notes might be an acceptable substitute. State is withholding reply to Nanking’s 1132 until your comment is received.
- United Nations Treaty Series, vol. 10, p. 300; Department of State, United States Relations With China (Washington, Government Printing Office, 1949), p. 585.↩