Memorandum from Secretary of the Navy John L. Sullivan to President Harry S. Truman, with Related Material

THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY for ann erro WASHINGTON OLUNE 28 JAN 1949 MEMORANDUM OF INFORMATION FOR THE PRESIDENT: Subject: U. S. Armed Forces at Tsingtao. 1. In anticipation of the implementation of the National Security Council's paper (NSC 11/3) to withdraw the shore based activities of the U. S. Armed Forces from Tsingtao, the Navy is at present outloading excess equipment. Approximately 40,000 measurement tons have been outloaded to date. All Armed Forces dependents and those U. S. Nationals so desiring have been evacuated from Tsingtao. 2. Approximately 35,000 measurement tons of equipment remain ashore. This equipment is necessary to support about 3,600 Marines and 600 fleet supporting naval personnel also ashore. The Navy will require approximately 15 days to complete an orderly embarkation of personnel and the loading of remaining material after determination of the date to com- mence final embarkation. The date is to be designated by State after con- sultation with the Navy. To accomplish the final embarkation, it will be necessary to assemble a number of transport types and cargo types in Tsingtao Harbor. Some of these vessels are now there and the remainder are on call in Japanese ports. 3. Action to date on loading of equipment has been premised on the basis that after a decision is made to withdraw that such withdrawal of personnel and equipment will be accomplished at the earliest time consistent with orderliness. However a gradual reduction, rather than a withdrawal, could be phased over a longer period of time. 4. After completion of embarkation, it is planned to retain ashore at Tsingtao, certain facilities principally recreational, such as the Y.M.C.A., enlisted mans' and officers' clubs, for the use of our mobile forces which are retained in Tsingtao Harbor. It is further planned to retain suitable barracks in Tsingtao for housing a small contingent of Marine personnel which will be required for shore patrol duties. The retention of the above proper- ties and the billeting ashore of the personnel mentioned will also afford visible evidence of our continuing interest in Tsingtao. 5. The amount of equipment required for these activities will be relatively small and should cause us no great concern if it had to be abandoned in the event of an emergency. The personnel retained ashore will be capable of rapid embarkation. 6. In addition to other naval ships, there is at present in Shanghai one combat transport with a reduced battalion of Marines embarked. DECLASSIFIED NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND E. O. 11652, Sec. 3(E) and 5(D) or (E) RECORDS By NLT- He NARS Date9-1076 TOP JEONL Croast SERVICE OSD letter, April 12, 1974