893.24/1413: Telegram
The Ambassador in China ( Gauss ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10 p.m.]
951. Embassy’s 920, August 8, 10 a.m. Wong Wen-hao, Minister of Economics, has given Embassy following information in confidence: Although a formal agreement for exchange of Russian for Chinese products by Sinkiang has not yet actually been concluded, such exchanges [Page 604] will take place. Exchange will be on simple tonnage basis—about 2,000 tons of Russian gasoline for 2,000 tons Chinese strategic materials during remainder this year—exchange to take place at Hsinghsinghai on Kansu border or Hami, probably former.
With regard to transit of Lend-Lease material through Russian Turkestan to China via Sinkiang, Russians are being evasive.
With regard to air transport recent CNAC19 flights had clearly indicated feasibility of an air service from Northern India through Sinkiang to Lanchow.
Sheng Shih Tsai, Chairman of Sinkiang Government, is agreeable to Chungking Government personnel supervising all transportation matters within his province.
- China National Aviation Corporation.↩