Marshall Mission Files, Lot 54–D270: Telegram
Colonel Marshall S. Carter to General Marshall
86251. I have just completed a talk with Mister Forrestal on the Marine situation reur 180391 which asked for expeditious Navy Dept action. The Navy Dept is awaiting a reply to its message to Admiral Cooke, which asked for his recommendations on the original proposal as received separately from Cooke via Navy channels for an initial reduction of 5,000 and as contained in your 1764.92
Mister Forrestal introduced a new thought into the general picture which I said I would communicate to you. He had the distinct impression, based on my first personal message 8498793 and Cooke’s dispatch, the latter having stated “The action is taken on General Marshall’s initiative and is motivated by factors external to the immediate China situation”, that you might have misunderstood the problem and were recommending reduction of the Marines purely because of pressure from Washington and perhaps against your better judgement.
I assured him that this was not the case, and again brought Acheson’s reply 8572394 to his attention and also your subsequent agreement and views in 1781.95 I also pointed out that the quoted portion of Cooke’s message above meant only that your proposal was not motivated by the apparent breakdown of negotiations caused by Chou-En-Lai’s trip to Yenan and convening of the National Assembly. I also stated my view that determination of the actual number of Marines required to perform the mission assigned was primarily a responsibility of Admiral Cooke and that I felt sure Cooke was coordinating with and was in agreement with you.
This message is intended to again make it clear that no one is putting on pressure for a reduction as such. In fact, based on my talks with the three secretaries, I am sure they would consider an increase if such is necessary.
There is complete agreement here on the mission of the Marines and all concerned are prepared to hold the line on whatever figure is determined in China to be required to perform that mission.