Marshall Mission Files, Lot 54–D270: Telegram
General Marshall to Colonel Marshall S. Carter
1781. Please deliver the following message to the Secretary of State:
“Your 8572389 greatly appreciated. I agree completely with State Department view in second paragraph. As long as Executive Headquarters is in operation, there is an inescapable requirement for Marines to provide security and logistical support and to insure safe evacuation of U. S. personnel in event of collapse of Executive Headquarters.
In order to purify U. S. position to the maximum, while there is an absence of pressure in China, I am endeavoring to effect maximum reduction of Marines without prejudice to Executive Headquarters and fleet establishments at Tsingtao. Forces beyond these requirements are too small to serve any large purpose and are a continual source of incidents. I will keep you advised of my action on this project.”
- Supra.↩