Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1941, The Far East, Volume V

893.24/1244

Memorandum by Mr. Lauchlin Currie, Administrative Assistant to President Roosevelt ²¹

undated

1. The President has declared that the defense of China is vital to the defense of the United States, and, in accordance with this statement of policy, we are lend-leasing goods to China.

2. Consequently any threat to, or interference with, the delivery of such goods to the Chinese Government in China is a threat to, or interference with, the defense of the United States.

3. Therefore, we must regard any threat to the Burma Road, either outside or inside China, which is the only means by which American lend-lease articles can be delivered to the Chinese Government, as an act hostile to the United States and inimical to the interests of the United States.

21. Copy transmitted to the Adviser on Political Relations (Hornbeck) in covering memorandum of October 31, in which Dr. Currie said: “Attached is a futile little piece of logic that may sadden your soul.”