740.0011 Pacific War/2974
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Chief of the Division of Far Eastern Affairs (Hamilton)31
| Participants: | Dr. T. V. Soong, Minister for Foreign Affairs of China |
| Mr. Hornbeck | |
| Mr. Hamilton |
During the course of a call at his initiative prior to his departure for China, Dr. Soong said that he wished to bring up for special attention one question. He continued that Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek and the Chinese Government were very desirous that prompt steps be taken to recapture Burma. He pointed out that Burma was of special importance to China in that with Burma in Chinese hands much needed supplies could reach the Chinese armies, whereas with Burma in Japanese hands China was dependent almost entirely upon air transport service from India.
Mr. Hornbeck said that he was one of those who believed that use of the air was bound to become increasingly important. He added that he, however, realized and appreciated the importance of Burma’s [Page 167] being recaptured from the Japanese. He said that in his view it would also be desirable if the Japanese could be dislodged from Indochina.
Dr. Soong asked that in our contacts with the military authorities of this Government we keep in mind the importance which the Chinese Government attached to the recapture of Burma. He said that the Chinese Government would be very appreciative of anything that might be done to bring about such a development.
- Noted by the Secretary of State.↩