811.42793/2–1446: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in China (Smyth) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 14—4:08 p.m.]
287. For Colonel Davis from Gen Marshall. Technical and cultural collaboration programs.
There is no objection to continuation of current discussions with Chinese regarding the projects for cultural and technical collaboration discussed in Department’s telegram 195, January 31, 8 p.m. Close coordination of several programs by Department of State with provision for consultation with Embassy on individual projects is essential but it is not considered desirable or necessary to regard any or all of the projects outlined as bargaining weapons.
In reply specifically to Department’s telegram 239, February 6, 8 p.m., there is no objection to Department’s going forward with plans as outlined for agricultural collaboration mission. Views of Department [Page 1276] and Agriculture on points concerning this mission have been communicated to the Chinese Government and forwarded to Dawson Shanghai.
It is agreed that each of the proposed projects should be dealt with as part of the coordinated program of technical and cultural cooperation which can be so presented to the Chinese and which fits into the whole of American policy and programs for assistance to this country. The timing of such presentations and of public announcement thereof should be decided in consultation with me.
The subject of this is an excellent example of the necessity for developing a sound coordinating and operating procedure under the Ambassador here in China as well as in the State Department. Otherwise we will eventually have a great complication of various projects, experts, etc., scattered throughout the country. At a later date I will submit a concrete proposal for the future organization of an appropriate businesslike operating agency within the Embassy to avoid confusion by coordinating on the ground American governmental agencies at work out here. [Marshall.]