Memorandum from Admiral William D. Leahy to Secretary of Defense James Forrestal

DECLASSIFIED E. O. 11652, Sec. 3(E) and 5(D) or (E) THE JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF OSD letter, April 12, 1974 , NARS Date 6.2575 WASHINGTON 25, D.C. By NLT, HC 20 October 1948 FOR SECRET MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE: Subject: Proposed Change in Directive to COMNA VWESPAC. 1. Reference is made to the nemorandum of 18 October 1948 addressed to you by the President, which you referred to the Joint Chief's of Staff for comment and recommendation. 2. It is understood that the part of the memorandum concerning aid to North China is being monitored by your office. 3. With reference to the proposal that withdrawal from Tsingtao not take place at this time, the Joint Chiefs of Staff understand this to mean that the forces in Tsingtao will remain there until ordered to withdraw. If this is correct, the following change in directive to Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Western Pacific, is recommended: From: JCS To: COMNAVWESPAC Info: CINCPAC and CINCFE. Directive contained in WAR 83805 of 14 June : "NATIONAL SERVICEN RECORDS ARCHIVES AMD 1948 is hereby cancelled. These instructions do not constitute a final decision on U.S. forces remaining in Tsingtao. Measures covered in your 291101 of September are being provided to extent indicated in separate messages already sent to you. You are authorized to use your forces for protection of U.S. interests and for maintenance of order in connection therewith within the Copy to: SecDef (2) Chief P&P Gp, P&O Army Admn Aide to CNO Deputy Director P&O Air Admiral Leahy General Gruenther Control Section TOP SECRET (JCS 1330/38 - Approved 20 Oct. 1948)