793.94/9023: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Johnson)
122. Your 335, July 28, 2 p.m. The weather reports broadcast by the United States Navy Radio Station at Cavite comprise ships’ observations from the North Pacific Ocean, surface weather reports from land stations in the Far East, forecasts, typhoon warnings, a summary of general atmospheric pressure distribution, and synoptic weather reports from observation stations in the Philippine Islands and in the China Sea. These weather broadcasts are made pursuant to Resolution 46, passed by Sub-Commission 1, of the International Meteorological Organization. This Resolution reads:
“The Commission places on record its deep appreciation of the offer made by the United States Navy to place at the disposal of the weather services of the Far East the facilities of the Cavite Radio Station and thus to provide for inter-continental broadcasts in the Far East.”
As indicated above this station broadcasts weather information received from ships and from weather observation stations in the Far East including such stations in China. This information is transmitted [Page 304] in plain except the synoptic reports which are transmitted in the international weather code.
There was held at Hong Kong between January 13 and 21, 1937, a Far Eastern Weather Conference for the purpose of improving the dissemination of weather information in the Far East. Resolution 46 was adopted at this Conference. Chinese delegates attended the Conference but withdrew on January 16.
For your orientation, we are informed by Navy Department informally to the effect that most of the data on weather conditions in China incorporated in broadcast reports by Cavite originates from Chinese stations, and that the weather reports broadcast from the flagship of the Asiatic Fleet are reports on weather conditions principally over water areas disseminated for the information of units of the Fleet.
The Department desires that you orally and informally explain to the Minister for Foreign Affairs the international basis and the character of these broadcasts, inform him that in view thereof this Government feels that they should be continued, and point out that insofar as they may be of assistance in connection with aviation their value is general to all who may be engaged in aviation.