893.20 Mission/11–2247: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 22—12:29 p.m.]
2284. I know so well what is in the Generalissimo’s mind that I hesitate to approach him as suggested in your 1405, November 20, 10 [Page 922] a.m. [1 p.m.],3 without first being certain that nature of need here is realized in Washington. Crux of problem in China is army. Unless it can be reorganized, reduced and its morale improved, inflation cannot be curbed, the budget balanced, nor can there be improvement in local administration. A limited number of well-officered, well-trained, well-equipped and cared for divisions, mobile and imbued with new sense of function to protect people against destructive tactics of Communists while helping toward economic recovery might succeed in confining Communists and curbing if not stopping their disruptive activities in Nationalist territory.
Under existing directives AAG is not authorized nor is it equipped to assist in creating such an army. In my opinion it would not accomplish desired purpose to replace Lucas with Barr unless at the same time AAG directives were changed so as to permit active participation by AAG not only in reorganizing army but also in planning strategy and operations. With such change in AAG directives, Generalissimo would probably accept anyone you recommend for such immediately practical assistance and he would support such an officer in the degree that the officer was able to inspire the Generalissimo’s confidence. Drastic reorganization of the army, I am convinced, is impossible without qualified American officer. In fact, Generalissimo has already prepared his general staff for appointment of such a man.
Before discussing possible appointment of General Barr with Generalissimo and Madame Chiang, I should therefore prefer your decision regarding feasibility of new directives to AAG.
- Not printed; the Ambassador in China was instructed to ascertain from Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek whether the appointment of Maj. Gen. David G. Barr, U. S. Army, as successor to General Lucas as Chief of the Army Advisory Group (AAG) in China would be acceptable (893.20 Mission/11–2047).↩