893.24/1303: Telegram

The Chargé in the United Kingdom ( Matthews ) to the Secretary of State

1297. For Hopkins12 and Stettinius13 from Harriman.14 Wellington Koo, Chinese Ambassador to Great Britain, has advised me that [Page 578] he has been attempting to get certain munitions from Britain with only partial success. He has recently been advised that these requests must now go to the United States first. On the other hand, it is apparent that certain of these items can be supplied at the present time only from British production, for example twenty-five pounders. He would appreciate it if you would give the matter attention to the end that when Dr. Soong presents the requests they will be acted upon promptly in so far as items that the United States can supply, and those that the United States cannot supply will be referred promptly to the British. [Harriman.]

Matthews
  1. Harry Hopkins, Special Assistant to President Roosevelt.
  2. Edward R. Stettinius, Jr., Lend-Lease Administrator.
  3. William Averell Harriman, Special Representative of President Roosevelt to facilitate material aid to the British Empire.