893.20 Mission/12–1347: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 13—8:39 a.m.]
2394. Generalissimo has requested advice and assistance of AAG in organization of replacement training centers at Nanking, Peiping, Sian and possibly Hankow (Deptel 1302, October 24, 5 p.m.). At instance AAG there have already been established at strategic localities in China 20 odd centers for basic recruit training. It is contemplated that these strategically-located recruit training centers will serve as a constant source of personnel which would flow into the replacement training centers where they would be trained for active guerrilla warfare either as separate units or as replacements for divisions [Page 928] recalled from the front. AAG has in mind a table of organization for divisions more suited to meet needs of actual military situation and hopes to accomplish this by withdrawal from the front and reorganization of divisions at replacement training centers.
Original concept of training center on Taiwan was along these lines according to AAG but for political reasons was changed in its initial stages to complete training of Youth Corps Division. Generalissimo expects that division to be ready for service by March by which time AAG contemplates letting it go to the front even though it will be inadequately trained. Meanwhile, AAG plans immediately commencement of replacement training at Taiwan along lines outlined above.
It has been increasingly borne in upon us of late that the AAG and through AAG US Government is being blamed for the lack of success of recent Chinese military efforts. There is no general public realization of the limitation of AAG’s authority. We believe strongly therefore that any step we can take offering prospect of success would redound to our advantage and prestige. Accordingly, we strongly recommend that we be authorized to approve action of AAG along lines requested by Generalissimo.