893.113/363: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in China (Schurman)
239. Your 405 October 4, 11 a.m., 408 October 5, noon.
Department is gratified at agreement of Diplomatic Body on formula as stated but before considering resolution and interpolation desires to know who initiated proposal that exception be made in case of commercial aircraft. Department has all along understood that some of the principal powers represented at Peking have not favored importation of commercial airplanes into China. What was attitude of British and Japanese representatives in discussion of subject in meeting of diplomatic body? Department is informed that in addition to 40 Vimys under contract of October 1, 1919, Vickers has supplied China with 100 Avros and that a number of Handley-Pages have also been imported for mail purposes. Can Legation state definitely number of planes imported under above contracts and the approximate date or dates of such importations? Department desires especially to know whether any importations either commercial or military type have been made recently under these or other contracts.