893.24/1324
The Office of the Chief of Naval Operations to the Department of State
Memorandum for State Department:
The following information was received from the Naval Attaché at Chungking:
Central News with Washington date line of April 12th quoted Hon. Warren Robinson Austin, Senator from Vermont, as urging the United States redouble efforts to supply China with critical military equipment as quickest means of striking Axis while Allies marshal forces in the Pacific offensive. Frequent public utterances similar to this uttered by prominent individuals lately suggests widespread belief in potentiality of China as an active military factor in defeating Japan. If such conception is seriously held by those controlling high strategy it is fatally defective. It is highly desirable to continue to encourage China to maintain morale but there should be no illusions as to practical aspects as to actual situation. Lack of China’s offensive spirit, physical and political, difficulties of transportation were continuously reported before the fall of Rangoon. The present situation is far worse. She is now completely cut off from supplies. Routes to India only projected and may never be built due deteriorating situation in Burma. Little hope offered by reopening latter area by counter attack due complete defection of population. The Generalissimo’s determination to continue to resist is shown by his interest in new routes through Central Asia but such roads offer small hope of delivery effective quantities of supplies. The simple truth is that we will be well on way toward defeating Japan by the time lines can be opened for delivery in real quantity.
- Captain, U. S. N.↩