711.93/9–1947: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 19—4:55 a.m.]
1958. In February of this year Army Advisory Group raised question of placing additional aid and ground teams in Hsuchow, Sian and Peiping. Embassy liaison office with Embassy’s concurrence informed War Department it considered placing of teams at Hsuchow and Sian out of the question until there was a change in overall policy towards China. War Department confirmed views of the Embassy liaison office.
On 6 March 1947 the Embassy liaison office informed War Department it was planned to lift ban on placing AAG teams in Hsuchow unless there were objections in Washington. On 11 March 1947 War Department stated that Department of State did not consider time appropriate to send team to Hsuchow. On 9 April 1947 (in 95790) War Department advised that Department of State still felt time was not appropriate for sending these teams.
AAG now requests authority to send ground team of not to exceed four officers and three enlisted men to Hsuchow for purpose of advising Chinese in conduct of armored school and states that this team will have no connection with Chinese Army GHQ located in that vicinity. Since this school is opening on September 15, it is highly desirable from the military point of view to permit AAG to provide this assistance.
AAG considers that establishment of armored force team in Hsuchow is no different from establishment similar teams at Peiping, Chengtu, Hankow and at Nanking and vicinity.
Hsuchow area is now remote from fighting and Military Attaché considers it safe for AAG personnel.
Embassy considers that proposed establishment of team at Hsuchow is within scope of authorized activities of AAG and that establishment of Hsuchow unit would not signify extension of direct support [Page 890] by United States to National Government in military effort. Accordingly Embassy recommends that appropriate authorization be granted subject to revision in light of developments.59
- The Department, in telegram No. 1178, September 22, 2 p.m., replied: “No objection perceived to establishment of Army Advisory Group armored force team” at Hsuchow.↩