Marshall Mission Files, Lot 54–D270: Telegram
Brigadier General Thomas S. Timberman to General Marshall
7452. Team 25 returned Peiping from Anping 2200 hours Saturday 24 August after having interrogated two National Government witnesses. [Page 83] Colonel Martin,4 U. S. member, was chairman. During interrogation the second witness at Anping, the proceedings became deadlocked when the Communist Party member, General Huang, challenged the credibility of National Government witnesses. He accused the National Government of creating false evidence. National Government member refused to proceed with interrogation until CCP member either retracted his statement, substantiated his statement, or accepted reprimand from the team chairman. CCP member would accede to none of these. Further meetings were therefore suspended pending report of deadlock to Three Commissioners.
At this meeting General Huang was again rude to American members. For example: General Huang, referring to the team chairman. Colonel Martin, ordered the CCP interpreter to “speak up and interpret exactly what I say, do not be afraid of that big noise.”
Strong protest was immediately lodged by U. S. Branch with General Yeh, Communist Party Commissioner, with request that he take necessary appropriate action to relieve the deadlock and permit team to proceed with investigation.
- Col. M. Martin, second ranking American member of Team 25.↩