Office of the Historian

693.00231/10–1646: Telegram

General Marshall to the Under Secretary of State (Acheson)

[Nanking,] October 16, 1946.

1653. Commander Seventh Fleet desires authorization to send a United States Government courier ship to the open Port of Dairen periodically at intervals of from 2 weeks to 1 month. This to be a United States Government vessel of less than 1,200 tons. If necessary to make notification via Moscow propose to notify Moscow 4 days prior arrival and Soviet Embassy Nanking and Soviet Consul General Shanghai 2 days in advance of arrival. However if direct communication to Dairen is possible propose to notify only Dairen 2 days prior arrival. This notification to give the name and type of vessel and the estimated date of arrival and would be merely notification and not a request for authorization to make the visit.

2.
Soviet authorities in Dairen do not allow any direct radio communications from the United States representatives in that port, nor [Page 1187] coded messages via Moscow. In last 6 months only 2 messages have been received although 9 were filed via Moscow in plain language. In order that necessary communications may be maintained with the United States Consul General and other United States representatives in Dairen I believe that a courier vessel as recommended by Commander Seventh Fleet is the only practical means of insuring contact. Considerable important information is available in that locality and some means must be found to get it out. The use of a courier vessel will enable our representatives in that area to make classified report which they are unable to do at present and also would enhance United States prestige.
3.
For your information only, Admiral Cooke proposes to use amphibious vessels probably of the LCI type for these trips when available, but does not desire to have the type of vessel specified to permit freedom in using other ships of less than 1,200 tons.
4.
I recommend that such periodic courier trips be approved and the Soviet Government be notified to expect visits from such vessels commencing with the first trip in early November.