Foreign Relations of the United States, 1947, The Far East: China, Volume VII

893.24/11–447

The Chinese Embassy to the Department of State

Memorandum

(1) The Chinese Government has been in urgent need of certain types of American military equipment and materials. In the past year and a half strenuous efforts were made to procure them in the United States. As it will be recalled, the Thirty-nine Divisions Program for the Ground Forces and the 8⅓ Group Program for the Air Force had long been agreed upon by the competent authorities of China and the United States, and deliveries in fulfillment of these programs had begun before the termination of hostilities.

(2) Soon after V–J Day, however, there appeared a period of inactivity in which it was not possible to obtain an export license for an ordinary item of ammunition to be shipped to China. Permission to purchase as surplus property by the Chinese Government the remaining portion of the 7.92 mm. cartridges originally “requisitioned” for the Chinese army under Lend-Lease was not granted until the end of May, 1947. Subsequently, the Chinese Government was informed that it might feel free to order ammunition from commercial firms and that there might soon be ready surplus property declarations covering certain items of equipment which would meet the requirements of the 8⅓ Group Program.

(3) The need of the Chinese ground and air forces for American equipment and materials is indeed pressing. Part of the Chinese ground forces, notably the Alpha Divisions, is equipped with the American type of arms, while the Chinese air force is almost entirely dependent upon the United States for planes and supplies. After two years of continuous service these forces are in urgent need of replenishment and replacement.

(4) The equipment and materials thus needed may be divided into two categories: items to meet immediate requirements; and items needed under long-term programs. In the past the Chinese Government has endeavored, with the assistance of the United States Army Advisory Group in Nanking, to draw up plans covering short-term requirements. A copy of such a plan⁹³ was presented in June 1946 to a responsible United States official in China. A list of ammunition requirements⁹⁴ intended for six months’ use was given in April, 1947, to General Alvan Gillem for transmittal to the United States authorities.

(5) Items of equipment urgently required by the Chinese Government are as follows:^*

a. 10,000,000 rounds of M–2, .50 calibre cartridges with links for air machine gun. (Procurement of this item is currently under negotiation.)

b. 34,494 pieces of M–30, 100# bomb, general purpose, with components.

c. 15,214 pieces of M–82, 100# bomb, fragmentation, with components.

d. 5,625 pieces of M–26, 53# parachute flares with components.

e. 40,000,000 rounds of .45 calibre machine gun ammunition.

f. 80,000,000 rounds of .30 calibre machine gun ammunition.

g. 1,000,000 rounds of 60 mm. Mortar ammunition.

h. 60,000 rounds of 2.36 inch Rocket ammunition.

In view of the urgent military situation in China, especially the exigency now existing in her North-eastern Provinces, the Chinese Government requests that these items be made available to China immediately.

(6) The Chinese Government understands that military stocks in the islands of the Pacific under the control of the AFPAC have available all the items mentioned above. It sincerely hopes that deliveries could be made from such stocks and that the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers in Japan will be authorized to ship them directly to such ports in China as will be indicated by the Chinese Government. The procedure thus suggested, no doubt, will save much time and will be of great assistance to the cause of China.

(7) There is enclosed herewith a list⁹⁵ of items of equipment, which are urgently needed by the Chinese Air Force. The list for the Ground Forces will be submitted in a few days when it is ready.

(8) In regard to the long-term plans, the Chinese Government earnestly hopes that the United States Government will find it possible to make arrangements at the earliest possible date for the implementation of the Thirty-nine Divisions Ground Force Program and the 8⅓ Group Program for the Chinese Air Force. In the view of the Chinese Government these programs are of utmost importance and should be put info effective operation at once as they will form a sound foundation for a modern army, which will be not only of service in the maintenance of law and order internally but also of assistance in enabling China to discharge her international obligations as a stabilizing force in Eastern Asia.

(9) In view of the foregoing the Chinese Government requests that the United States Government reconsider its whole position with regard to this general question of supplying certain types of military equipment and materials to China. It will be highly appreciated if the United States Government would give this matter its favorable consideration. It will be of great assistance to China if the United States Government would supply China with the items of equipment urgently needed and give renewed impetus to the implementation of the two programs mentioned above. It will be especially appreciated if China’s present needs may be met from military stocks declared surplus or declassified. As regards the monetary aspect of the transactions, it will be agreeable to the Chinese Government if payments could be made upon such terms as will be mutually agreed.

[Washington,] November 4, 1947.

93. Not found in Department files.
94. Not printed, but see memorandum by Brigadier General Timberman, April 22, p. 821.
95. Some of these items are duplicated in the attached list. [Footnote in the original; list not printed.]
95. Not printed.