CABINET MEETING, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1948
(Sawyer absent)
THE PRESIDENT
Raised question of visit to U. S. of Mme Chiang Kai-shek.
MARSHALL
Issue is should she be barred from country; if not, she will make strong appeal. Will talk to public and press. It may put us in the position of having to refuse further aid to China. The opposition in China will be very upset about her coming to U. S. to exert pressure on behalf of Chiang government which they are seeking to throw out. However she stands as the wife of the President of China.
THE PRESIDENT
We should not bar her from the country
MARSHALL
The Nationalist Government of China is on its way out and there is nothing we can do to save it. We are faced with the question of clarifying the American people and by so doing deliver the knockout blow to the Nationalist Govt in China - or we can play along with the existing govt and keeping facts from the American people and thereby not be accused later of playing into the hands of the Communists.
(Marshall then gave detailed report on actual situation in China.)
Marshall recommended that Madame Chiang be allowed full courtesies if she is to come to U. S.
THE PRESIDENT
Agreed.
MARSHALL
Switched discussion to European situation.
11:00