793.94/4957: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Consul General at Nanking (Peck)
Washington, April 5, 1932—1
p.m.
35. Your 75, April 4, 2 p.m.
- 1.
- It is the policy of this Government to refrain from disposing to foreign powers of arms, ammunition and implements of war. This of course applies to the sale by this Government of surplus stocks of war material not only to China but to other countries as well. This policy necessarily precludes favorable consideration of the inquiry made of you by Kung.
- 2.
- You will recall the reluctance with which the administration has on certain occasions assented to the sale by the War Department to [Page 669] private American firms of certain equipment in small amounts necessary as accessories to make possible fulfillment of contracts with the Chinese Government for delivery of airplanes. These few cases have constituted exceptions and it has been specified in connection with each that it should not be regarded as establishing a precedent.
- 3.
- The Executive Departments of the Government have no authority to sell any goods on credit, and it would be impossible for them to do so without first having legislation giving such authority.
- 4.
- You should explain the above and you should state that the American Government continues to hope that the extremity of war between China and Japan will be averted and the rights of all the powers concerned and the confidence which the world has reposed in treaties be vindicated by peaceful means.
Repeat to the Minister.
Castle