793.94/17028
The Navy Department to the Department of State
Memorandum for Secretary of State.
The following information has been received from the Naval Attaché Chungking:
Active participation of all American and British Far East Air units would be the only hope for blocking invasion of Yunnan. The Chinese now seek such participation. The supply and protection of available fields would however be a very serious task not presently feasible under existing conditions. Transport over the Burma Road is still insufficient and lacking coordination. Problem is possible of solution only if highest home authorities order immediate action thereby justifying seizure and operating under foreign control of all available transport including civil air transportation. Believe that Chiang Kai Shek will support this and also that general public reaction would inspire voluntary Chinese cooperation. The present indirect methods for timely results are totally inadequate.
By direction.