893.24/9–1247: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 13—3:30 a.m.]
1916. In letter to me dated September 5 from Tokyo, General Wedemeyer stated that, while in Manchuria, General Chen Cheng discussed with him question getting ammunition from stockpiles in western Pacific areas. General Chen Cheng explained urgent need China for ammunition and suggested following procedure: China purchase ammunition various categories in United States and ship to western Pacific areas designated by CinCFE.58 Concurrently CinCFE would ship ammunition from his stockpiles to China points.
General Wedemeyer discussed procedure with General MacArthur who indicated that he would interpose no objection upon receiving authority for such a procedure from Washington. If decision is made to implement this proposed procedure it would be helpful, for obvious reasons, to transmit the information to the Chinese through Embassy Nanking.
With reference to Embassy’s telegrams 1899, September 11, 2 p.m. and 1902, September 11, 4 p.m., it will be noted that proposal discussed by General Chen Cheng with General Wedemeyer and by General [Page 889] Wedemeyer with General MacArthur involves cash payment by Chinese for ammunition purchases.
It will be obvious to Department that ammunition withdrawal from stock-piles of United States forces in western Pacific areas would be a closer involvement in Chinese civil war than direct purchases on commercial basis by China in United States and direct shipment therefrom.
- Commander in Chief, Far East, General of the Army Douglas MacArthur.↩