Office of the Historian

793.94/17031

The British Prime Minister (Churchill) to Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek 45

undated

I am very much aware of the serious danger which you have pointed out in your message regarding Japan’s impending new drive against China. While the Japanese may threaten South China, I am not certain that they would attack Yunnan with the present forces at their disposal at Tonking which are reported to be only half of what my military experts think they would require for such a venture. Japan may strike first in such territories where she can get the material which she lacks because of embargoes against her. However, I do realize the gravity of the situation if the Japanese should take Kunming. I am studying special means to help strengthen the International Air Force you have and give immediate support in personnel and material.

Brooke Popham45a informs me Colonel Chennault is ready to move into China with three squadrons in ten days’ time and is asking Chennault how we can best help him.

I will keep in touch with you and I hope to send more definite statement of what we can do. Needless to say, I am keeping the President informed.

  1. Message sent via T. V. Soong. Copy transmitted by Mr. Soong to the Adviser on Political Relations (Hornbeck); apparently received November 17 and noted by the Secretary of State.↩
  2. Sir Robert Brooke-Popham, British Air Chief Marshal, in command of entire Far East area (1940–42).↩