893.20 Missions/12–347: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 3—5:43 a.m.]
2327. I concur in your view (your telegram 1436, Nov 28) that Army reorganization would not immediately improve military or fiscal situation. Also as to unwisdom of American responsibility for combat strategy and field operations. I have explained fully to Generalissimo and he approves invitation to General Barr. I therefore support your suggestion of General Barr to replace General Lucas within terms specified by you. Generalissimo would like to have General Barr’s record. I appreciate difficulties in advising Generalissimo as experienced by you and suggest experimental procedure, success at each stage guiding future policy. This might well be tentative or conditional while sufficiently positive to stimulate Chinese leaders to revitalize effort. I shall do my best to help and am not too unhopeful.