893.24/1338: Telegram
The Ambassador in China ( Gauss ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2:53 p.m.]
627. Department’s 424, May 23, 6 p.m. The overland route from China to the USSR begins at Lanchow, Kansu, and ends at Alma Ata in Russian Turkestan. The distance is about 3000 kilometers (distance from Lanchow to Chungking is 1734 kilometers). Main termini moving westward are Suchow, Hsinghsinghsia (on Sinkiang border), Hami, Tihua (Urumchi), and Hoerhkuossu (on Sinkiang border). Chinese report road in good condition. There are airfields at places named. In the past Hsinghsinghsia has been junction for Russian and Chinese transport but Chinese now express preference for Hami as junction.
Since outbreak of Russo-German hostilities, amount of cargo moving over route has been negligible. Based on initial monthly transport of 5000 metric tons, Chinese Communications Ministry has worked out plans as follows:
One thousand trucks operating between Hami and Lanchow would carry something over 3000 tons monthly. There are now some 500 serviceable trucks at Lanchow; 500 [not?] in use at Kunming should be transferred to Lanchow. Carts and camels can transport somewhat less than average 2000 tons monthly from Hami to Lanchow. Alma Ata to Hami haul would require about 1500 trucks for 5000 tons monthly. Chinese assume that Russia would provide trucks for this haul. (Actually there are believed to be sufficient trucks—estimated between one and 2000 not now in use in Kunming area that could be used in Sinkiang.)
[Page 596]Gasoline for trucks would be laid down by transport planes operating out of Alma Ata at Hami and other points en route. There is no air service now. Estimate 20 American planes DC–3 type could transport monthly requirement 1500 tons gasoline for trucks. Chinese request that Russians furnish China gasoline against delivery to Russia of gasoline at some other designated place is reported to have been refused. Chinese envisage transport of materials and supplies to Alma Ata from Persian Gulf to Caspian Sea and thence over Turk-Sib railway.
Transport of strategic materials from China over same route would require long haul in as much as most of the materials—tungsten, tin, silk, bristles—originate in south.
The Alma Ata-Lanchow trucking route appears to be most practical. Possible alternate air transport routes Lanchow-Ninghsia-Urga-Irkutsk (1500 kilometers) and Kabul through South Sinkiang to Suchow, Kansu.
Two major factors are involved, (1) Russian assent to transit of war materials for China and agreement to transport materials to Alma Ata and (2) supply of gasoline for truck operation between Alma Ata and Lanchow. Other problems such as supply of trucks, spare parts, and tires, et cetera can probably be solved once factors above are resolved.
Embassy will report further on situation as any additional information becomes available.