893.248/252a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Rangoon (Brady)
28. For Chennault from Currie.
“It has been suggested that we supply personnel for the reorganization and operation of the whole Chinese air force including the A. V. G.37 It is felt that this is impractical. As an alternative we suggest the following on which we should like your reaction. We understand that the Chinese have some first-class pilots. Our thought is that you might organize one or possibly two all-Chinese groups with officers and pilots selected by you and under your tactical command. We would undertake to secure more Americans to assist you as staff officers in your larger duties. We believe this preferable either to turning planes over to Chinese air force or to assuming any responsibility for operation of Chinese air force. If this experiment is successful you could organize still another Chinese group as American [Page 758] equipment becomes available along with the organization of further American groups. We are uncertain as to whether any of the Chinese planes are suitable for your combat purposes. Are facilities available and adequate for the training of both American and Chinese groups in Burma? Whenever couriers are available, I should appreciate more detail on your progress and problems. Your cable to CDS38 just received. Will try to meet your requests.”
The contents of this telegram should be regarded as strictly confidential for the Consul General and Chennault only.