761.93/1691
The Vice Consul at Yunnanfu (Perkins) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 7.]
Sir: I have the honor to report that I have learned from a reliable and informed American source that Russian aviators took part in the recent air fighting around Liuchow, Kwangsi, Russian planes being used. My informant stated that he has definite information that two wounded Soviet pilots engaged in that sector were carried to Chungking by China National Aviation Corporation plane following a recent large-scale battle. He stated further that the Russians now fighting in Kwangsi are reportedly greatly inferior in ability to those engaged on the Chinese side earlier in the hostilities, the presumption being that first-string fliers are either employed on the European front or are being held in reserve for possible activity there. No estimate can be given of the total number of Soviet aviators engaged in the Kwangsi sector.
Respectfully yours,