Marshall Mission Files, Lot 54–D270: Telegram
Lieutenant General Alvan C. Gillem, Jr., to Brigadier General Henry A. Byroade, at Peiping
361. Believe agreement will be reached tomorrow for dispatch of teams. Formal directive will follow in separate radio. I know you share concern of all parties for expeditious entry so I need not stress [Page 599] the urgency of this case. Prior to departure for U. S. General Marshall dictated the following:
“Instructions are being sent to cover the dispatch of field teams into Manchuria. These instructions are self-explanatory. I desire that great care be taken in the selection of the U. S. membership of the teams and that the American officer be given these secret instructions:
‘In the event that a Russian demand is made for representation with the team during its transaction of business, the American will acquiesce with casual politeness, not consulting the Russian as to detailed procedure, but merely informing him of when a meeting is to be held or a visit is to be made by either party. The representative from the Central Government will make no comment whatever. It is hoped that the American can carry the ball without discussion. Should the Russian object to the procedure or the decisions in such a manner as to create an issue, the American should make certain that that issue is clearly defined, and if it is important and there is not, in his opinion, reasonable justification for the Russian attitude, the matter will be reported to the Executive Headquarters and in turn to the Committee of Three for consideration on this level[’].”
Another subject. Information received from War Department approving request for four key officers—details as to qualifications will be forwarded later.