893.24/1223a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)
5011. Your 4131, September 7, 6 p.m. Mr. Currie has been informed that the Government of Burma is exacting payment of full Burmese import duties (as distinguished from transit tax) on lend-lease equipment to be used in Burma for the assembly of lend-lease material for China and on lend-lease trucks imported into Burma for use in Burma in the transportation of lend-lease material for China.
A specific instance has arisen with regard to the importation of a portable lend-lease assembly plant which arrived in Rangoon on the steamer Warrior to be set up in Rangoon for the exclusive purpose of assembling lend-lease trucks to be shipped to China.
[Page 757]Please take this matter up at your earliest opportunity with the appropriate British authorities with a view to securing customs exemption on such lend-lease materials. Please inform the Department promptly by telegraph of the results of your representations.