740.0011 Pacific War/2936
The Ambassador in China (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 25.]
Sir: I have the honor to enclose a copy of a despatch35 prepared by the Consul at Kunming36 in regard to Japanese military activity in western Yunnan and related matters.
With regard to Consul Ludden’s reference to a contemplated offensive against Burma early in 1943, the Embassy has no detailed or authoritative information. It understands that such an offensive has been under discussion and that it is with this idea in mind that [Page 174] Chinese troops are now being transferred by plane from Kunming to India, there to be equipped with lend-lease materials and given special training. It is understood that there are now in India approximately 10,000 Chinese soldiers who escaped from Burma and that something over 20,000 more soldiers will be flown to India from Kunming.
From a non-military point of view the plan for the transfer of a considerable Chinese army to India for an offensive against Burma seems to have an element of impracticability about it but the Embassy, although it has reservations on the subject, does not have the sufficient facts regarding the military situation in the area to warrant it in passing judgment.
With regard to the general subject of an early offensive against Burma the Embassy in its telegram no. 936, August 13, 1 p.m., expressed the opinion inter alia that plans for retaking Burma would seem to be premature and impracticable. Recent developments of which the Embassy is not aware may have altered the situation. The Embassy doubts whether the Chinese army is prepared to cooperate effectively in carrying out the offensive moves from Yunnan down the Burma Road and from Yunnan against Indo-China which are mentioned in Consul Ludden’s despatch.
Respectfully yours,