Marshall Mission Files, Lot 54–D270: Telegram
Mr. Walter S. Robertson to General Marshall
5073. General Clement in message dated 5 July mentioned rumored move to Tsingtao of 53rd Chinese National Army. We have received no notification of such move from National Government Branch. United States Branch Executive Headquarters is taking position that movements of 94th and 73rd Armies are illegal and if Communists withdraw from recently attacked and occupied cities that these armies should be moved out of Shantung.
We have conflicting reports on numbers of 73rd Army airlifted from Hsuchow to Tsinan.
Since General Clement has agreement of General Wang, National Government commander, to negotiate and is optimistic that he can get General Chen Yi, Communist commander, to Tsingtao within coming week, would it not be advisable for you to approach National Government side to stop further airborne movements of 73rd Army and possible contemplated moves of other units which would include rumored 53rd Army move.