893.24/616: Telegram
The Consul at Rangoon (Brady) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 11—1:55 a.m.]
Transit shipments of Chinese war materials from August 3 to September 15 had value of only 1,325,000 rupees or about $463,000. [Page 763] Principal items representing more than 90% were rifles from Belgium and machine guns from Denmark. Movement by rail was reduced because of difficult highway conditions. Chinese Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs now here reports that German ship carrying 700 tons munitions for China valued at 10 million Chinese dollars took refuge in Netherland East Indies port but that it is expected to obtain the supplies. He also says that British have not restricted the delivery of German materials for China on the way to Rangoon at outbreak of war. He says European war is certain to interfere with flow of war munitions but he asserts China has reserves sufficient for a year.