711.93/2–747
Memorandum by the Director of the Office of Far Eastern Affairs (Vincent) to the Secretary of State 18
[Washington,] February 7, 1947.
Attached is a memorandum on “American policy toward China.”19 In this memorandum it is recommended that:
- (1)
- We continue to encourage China to achieve unity by democratic methods of consultation and agreement.
- (2)
- We maintain a constructive and sympathetic (as distinguished from exacting) attitude in determining the extent to which conditions in China should improve as a prerequisite to giving economic assistance.
- (3)
- We withhold military aid to China in any form which would contribute to or encourage civil war.
- (4)
- We maintain a modest Military Advisory Group in China and to this end support in Congress the general Military and Naval Missions Bill.
- (5)
- We defer action on a Military Advisory Group Bill in Congress pending action on the general Military and Naval Missions Bill.
- (6)
- In any legislation authorizing the supply of military equipment to China the Secretary of State have final decision with regard to the time, type and quantity of disposals of such equipment.
- (7)
- We continue to withhold for the present delivery of additional military-type equipment under the 8⅓ Air Group program.
- (8)
- We approve the transfer to China of the 159 mercantile ships, subject to determination of China’s ability to operate them effectively.20
J[ohn] C[arter]
V[incent]