893.34/255: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Gauss)
111. Your 100, February 9, noon. The Navy Department states that it sees no objection to the transfer to the Chinese Government of the U. S. S. Tutuila together with its equipment and stores. The Navy Department is initiating action to carry out the transfer under [Page 23] the provisions of “Defense Aid”. It is understood that, without obtaining additional specific legislative authority, there is no other available method of effecting the transfer.
The Chinese Embassy is being informed of the foregoing, with the request that the matter be considered as confidential until the transfer has been actually effected.