893.20/320: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received April 9—3:12 a.m.]
Department’s 121, March 29, 5 p.m.
1. Nanking telegraphs me as follows:
“April 7, 10 a.m.
My April 6, 3 p.m. General Whang, Director of the Aviation Bureau, told Reynolds April 6, 8 a.m., that French Air Attaché had arrived in Nanking April 6 and had talked with Assistant Director. French Attaché offered on behalf of the French Government to send a French military air mission to China immediately to organize a Chinese air force. Attaché strongly urged acceptance of this offer and said he could see no reason for delay. Whang told Reynolds he must talk with the French Attaché but wished to see Howard first if Howard could come to Nanking at once. Chiang Kai-shek is reported to be extremely eager to commence building up of Chinese air force. See my confidential letter of April 2nd. If Howard cannot come to Nanking immediately please inform me of the Department’s reaction to the Chinese request for this assistance.”
“April 8, noon.
Your April 5, 10 a.m. I told General McCoy confidentially April 2, noon, about desire of the Chinese that the American Government send an Army air mission to China and he prophesied that the Army would have nothing to do with this subject at this time. McCoy said that from his observation of popular feeling in Japan toward the United States any such action might provoke a declaration of war by Japan on the United States. I have just read your April 7, 10 a.m., Confidentially to Howard. He tells me there are tentative plans for Captain Nelson, United States Army in Manila, to come to China on an invitation from Soong to be telegraphed by Arthur Young through Arnold to give advice regarding military air training. Howard has now telegraphed Arnold to consult you before sending such a telegram. Reynolds informed Director of the Aviation Bureau April 7th evening that the American Government could not discuss air mission at this time. Howard will see Director of Aviation Bureau today but will limit his own observations to project for establishment of training [Page 681] schools with unofficial instructors and to the sending of Chinese students to the United States.”
2. Howard has just come to me to ask whether he should in view of Department’s 121, March 29, 5 p.m., facilitate communication between Chinese Government and Army officers at Manila who have accumulated leave which they could spend in China.
3. I have informed Howard that I feel that the Legation’s instructions in this matter were categorical; that he should take no steps to introduce persons in active service of the Government for this purpose.
4. Howard is endeavoring to persuade Chinese Government that military mission is not what Government wants but that civilian aviation training will be more helpful. I suggest War Department be informed of substance of Nanking’s April 8, noon, in order that it may consider advisability through orders issued in Philippine Islands to discourage United States Army officers from coming to China to engage in aviation training at this time.51
- The Department replied in telegram No. 139, April 13, 5 p.m.: “This matter’ was taken up with the War Department which states that it has instructed the Commanding General, Philippine Department, to take such action as may be necessary to prohibit any officers of his command from accepting employment or giving advice or instruction such as mentioned.”↩