Office of the Historian

893.24/1121½: Telegram

Madame Chiang Kai-shek 28 to Mr. Lauchlin Currie, Administrative Assistant to President Roosevelt 29

Chungking, July 22, 1941.

Following is from Generalissimo to the President:

“Dr. Lattimore yesterday presented letter of introduction29a contents of which is much appreciated. Received very favorable impression of Dr. Lattimore during interview. Owing to rainy season and reorganization, traffic on Burma Road will not appreciably increase until October, but unremitting efforts continuing.”

Chennault30 plans start operations in Kunming by October 15th. Meanwhile hopes to enforce combat training in Burma if local authorities consent. Will you please try expedite bombing planes so necessary in counteroffensive. Your letter sent through Dr. Lattimore received. Warm thanks for your efforts in China’s behalf.

  1. Madame Chiang was a member of the Chinese Commission of Aeronautical Affairs.↩
  2. Received in the Department from the White House about July 23.↩
  3. Dated June 23, p. 668.↩
  4. Maj. Claire L. Chennault (U. S. A., retired), American adviser to the Chinese Air Force.↩