893.24/10–1047
The Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs (Wang) to the Secretary of State
Aide-Mémoire on the Requirement of the Chinese Ground and Air Forces
Prior to VJ Day, thirty-nine divisions of the Chinese Ground Force and 8⅓ groups of the Chinese Air Force were equipped with American material and ammunition.
After two years of service, replenishment is now urgently needed of equipment, ammunition and spare parts. As there are not sufficient industrial facilities in China for the manufacture of American-type munitions and for the maintenance of a modern air force, the Chinese Government necessarily looks to the United States as a principal source of logistical support.
The equipments and material most urgently required fall into the following categories:
- 1.
- supply of ammunition,
- 2.
- weapons, motor vehicles, etc.,
- 3.
- automotive spare parts,
- 4.
- Air Force equipments.
In regard to these requirements, discussions have at various times taken place with the American Military Advisory Group in China and other United States authorities, and in some cases agreements were arrived at but remain to be carried out.
In the light of the vital and urgent needs of the Chinese Ground and Air Forces and in view of China’s financial limitations, the Chinese Government hopes that the United States Government will consider the immediate supply of Chinese requirements from declassified stock against payment. Should this request of the Chinese Government be acceptable in principle to the United States Government, it is suggested that the United States Embassy or the Military Advisory Group in China be authorized to proceed with negotiations with the appropriate authorities of the Chinese Government for the immediate [Page 892] supply of Chinese requirements and for the financial arrangements in connection therewith. Alternatively, if the United States Government would so prefer, the Chinese Government is prepared to designate a representative in Washington for purposes of consultation with the appropriate agencies of the United States Government.