Chiang advocated the defense of Mandalay, in central Burma, but demanded that the British provide more active assistance before Chinese troops were sent to protect the city. Both sides had given up southern Burma as lost.44 Not so Stilwell. He arrived in Chongqing via India in early March 1942, having been named Chiang’s chief of staff. After his first formal meeting with the generalissimo, Stilwell noted approvingly that “he seems willing to fight and is fed up with the British retreat and lethargy.”45 Chiang’s initial reaction to Stilwell’s appointment was also favorable. But he made it
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