893.154/881: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Gauss)
218. For the Ambassador from Currie. Arnstein has called and tells me that General Chiang Kai-shek is prepared to amalgamate Yunnan–Burma Highway agencies. He further states that beginning with Southwest and Yunnan–Burma Highway administration all repair facilities and government trucks are to be handed over to the new organization and that traffic control is to be applied to private commercial agencies. I should be grateful if you would endeavor to confirm the above.
In the event that actual amalgamation is certain, should Wilson in your opinion be released from the Army to concern himself with repair and trucking facilities under General Yu and to supervise the 40 mechanics, dispatchers, loaders, and foremen which we are sending out under the Lease-Lend program, or do you feel that Wilson could act in this capacity while remaining a member of the military mission? Your suggestions and advice in this matter would be greatly appreciated. [Currie.]