893.243/9–1147: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 11—1:21 p.m.]
1902. Further reference to Embtel 1899, September 11, the Ambassador has now received a communication from General Cheng Kai-min, on behalf of the Generalissimo, which is quoted in full below:
“Prior to V–J Day 39 divisions of the Chinese Ground Force and 8⅓ groups of the Chinese Air Force were equipped with American materiel and ammunition.
“After 2 years of service, the replenishment of equipment, ammunition, and spare parts for the Chinese Ground and Air Forces is most urgently needed. Since we are unable to manufacture American munitions with existing facilities in this country, we request that the US Govt consider the immediate supply of our requirements from declassified stocks against payment. The matériel required falls into the following categories:
- a. Six months’ supply of ammunition. This ammunition requirement was presented to General Marshall in June 1946 and again to General Gillem in April 1947. Concurrently we negotiated to purchase 130,000,000 rounds of 7.92 mm ammunition which was originally manufactured for the Chinese Ground Force under Lend-Lease but not shipped before V–J Day. The Chinese Govt was informed by our Ambassador in June 1947 that the American ammunition could be purchased and the deal for 7.92 mm ammunition was subsequently concluded. No action has yet been undertaken in connection with the purchase of American ammunition. A copy of the list presented to General Gillem will be furnished.
- “b. Weapons, motor vehicles, et cetera, to replenish the equipment of the 39 divisions. Requisitions are being discussed with the MAG and will be forwarded as soon as they are completed.
- “c. Automotive spare parts. Upon the request of the Chinese Ministry of War, a requisition list for spare parts for motor equipment transferred to the Chinese Govt by US Army in western China was prepared and approved by the USAF HQ in Shanghai. On the recommendation of the USAF HQ, a contract (W–ANL (CH) 1270) was entered into with the Foreign Liquidation Commission of the US Govt in December 1946. Advanced [Page 888] payment of US dollars 1,800,000 was made. On June 11, 1947, the Foreign Liquidation Commission advised us that the contract was considered cancelled. We are still in urgent need of the spare parts and prompt solution which will secure the spare parts will be appreciated. A copy of the original list will be furnished.
- “d. Air Force equipment. The 8⅓ group plan was approved by the US War Dept and the approval was formally communicated to the Chinese Govt in March/May 1946. Details are covered in a separate memorandum and requisitions are being reviewed with the MAG and will be forwarded as soon as they are completed.”
Dept will observe that this communication raises again the overall question of supply of materiel and equipment to the Chinese armed forces in addition to the supply of small arms ammunitions. General Cheng Kai-min has been informed that the Embassy in the premises is acting as a transmitting agent of the foregoing information and has stated that the question of overall munitions and equipment supplies is a subject which should be raised in Washington by Chinese Govt representatives there.