Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1942, China

811.20 Defense (M)/7163: Telegram

The Ambassador in China (Gauss) to the Secretary of State

Chungking, June 11, 1942—10 a.m.
[Received June 11—9:41 a.m.]

691. Department’s telegram No. 476, June 4, 11 a.m. [8 p.m.]²⁰

1. Probable production of mercury during 1942 and 1943 will be 200 and 250 tons respectively.

2. Entire production for 1942 is committed to Russia for loan repayments. Exports during 1943 have not been decided as yet.

3. Local consumption of mercury is approximately 20 tons annually.

4. About 50 tons of mercury not earmarked for export are now on hand of which 35 tons are near Kunming and available for shipment to the United States.

The above information was obtained from the Minister of Economic Affairs.

Gauss

20. Not printed; it requested a report on production, consumption, and export of mercury during 1942 and 1943 (811.20 Defense (M) Union of So. Africa/147a).