893.248/12–848: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cabot) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 8—7:42 a.m.]
2704. Embtel 1123, November 1826 and other reports that General Chennault would reestablish AVG. General Chennault has informed member of ConGen staff that he had discussed reestablishment with Generalissimo. Latter pointed out that China did not have funds available for establishment of such a group and that if such a group were formed it would have to be at expense of US Government. OAF has planes and equipment probably available in sufficient quantities. Chennault volunteered that if the two governments were to get together on establishment of such a group he could within a fort-might inflict such extensive disruption as to halt Communist drive since practically all pilots now flying for CAT are ex-fighter pilots and over 100 ex-Fourteenth Air Force pilots have expressed willingness to serve. Chennault added that nothing concrete had been done here in connection with an AVG and that his actions in connection with reestablishment thereof had been confined to above-mentioned discussion with Generalissimo.
Sent Nanking 2024, repeated Department.