893.796/303: Telegram

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

383. Reference your 259, April 4, 6 p.m., regarding proposed military control of commercial air services in China.

In absence of General Stilwell, I consulted General Magruder who asked that name of General Ho be not disclosed and expressed opinion that Chinese would not take action without consulting American interests in advance, in which opinion the Military and Naval Attachés and I do not concur. Yesterday I brought matter orally and informally to the attention of the Political Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, without indicating source of information, and made the friendly representations outlined in your telegram. Vice Minister said he had no information on matter but would report my representations to the proper quarter.

Gauss