893.113 Arrow Air and Motors Corp./16: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 9—8:50 a.m.]
215. Department’s 37, January 30, 1 [3] p.m.14 Following from American Consul at Yunnanfu:
“February 8, 9 a.m. During a verbal and friendly conversation with me on January 27 French Consul himself confirmed having made statements to the local government substantially those repeated to the Legation’s [Legation?] January 27, 6 p.m. During an interview with the Provincial Chairman on February 4 he stated to me ‘during the pendency of my order for the American planes the French Consul Mr. Levi said to me that France has always been willing to assist Yunnan in getting whatever was needed in arms and ammunition and aeroplanes and that whenever Yunnan is in the market for such supplies French products should be given first consideration.’ The Provisional [Provincial] Chairman attaches much importance to the safe and timely delivery of these planes and has intimated that if the French succeed in preventing it he will not hazard further orders for American aviation products. Provincial Chairman assured me emphatically that the Nanking Government has fully authorized him to import these non-military planes without further formalities.”
I have informed Consul Stevens that Legation has requested Consul General at Nanking to discuss this matter with the Chinese authorities with a view to securing the necessary permits for importation into Yunnan without which French authorities appear to be unwilling to allow passage of planes through French Indo-China.
- Not printed.↩