893.00/9–2746: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 27—12:45 a.m.]
1552. Vice Minister [for] Foreign Affairs Liu Chieh at press conference September 25 said: “American Marines are in China to assist in repatriating Japanese nationals of whom over 2,000,000 now have been repatriated. This task was undertaken by the Americans for us as obligation of an ally in the China theater and their presence in China is with the sanction of the Chinese Government. These forces have been reduced to less than half their number a year ago and are being continuously reduced as task approaches completion. We do not see how their temporary presence in China could lead to international friction.”
Liu also said these views could be applied to Stalin’s reported remarks. Asked regarding Admiral Cooke’s statement that the Marines would remain until China peaceful and unified, Liu said he believed Cooke must have in mind transportation problems.
Associated Press correspondent Roderick asked if the Americans were in China in connection with the Nationalist-Communist fighting, [Page 231] Liu replied, “Certainly not. Civil war certainly not caused by presence [of] Marines.”
Asked how soon repatriation would be completed, Liu pointed out there were 3,000,000 Japanese in China, not including Manchuria. When pressed by reporters whether Chinese had taken over the repatriation, Liu said they had but the United States undertook to supply the transportation. Questioned as to when the Marines would quit China, Liu said, “When their mission is accomplished”. And then he added, “but I am in no position to say when that will be”. Questioned whether the Russians ever offered to help repatriate Japanese from Manchuria, Liu said, “I do not recall that the question ever came up”. Asked if he had any information on the reported removal of Japanese from Manchuria by Russia, Liu replied, “we have not queried Russia about this”.
Minister of Information Peng Hsueh-pei at same press conference when asked if political negotiations had ended, replied “no”.