Marshall Mission Files, Lot 54–D270
General Marshall to the Soviet Ambassador in China (Petrov)
My Dear Mr. Ambassador: General Wedemeyer and Admiral Cooke (Commander of American Navy in Far East) inform me that the evacuation and repatriation to Japan of Japanese military and civilian personnel from China is now proceeding so rapidly (about ten thousand individuals a day) that shipping now involved in this procedure will be gradually liberated commencing April 15th next.
I would appreciate your ascertaining for me the view of your government regarding the evacuation of Japanese military and civilian personnel in Manchuria. If personnel of this character can be made available at Manchurian ports commencing April 15th, the excess shipping referred to above can be devoted to the repatriation of these people in steadily increasing numbers as the evacuation from China approaches completion.
Your early advice will be appreciated as the orders for the shipping concerned must be issued well in advance, either for its demobilization or for the repatriation referred to.
Faithfully yours,