893.24/1321½
The Commanding General of United States Army Air Forces (Arnold) to the Acting Secretary of State
My Dear Mr. Secretary: Your letter to Admiral King,10 inclosing telegram, dated April 16th, from the President’s personal representative [Page 678] at New Delhi was sent to me for reply as it comes under my jurisdiction.
The facts in this case are as follows:
All cargo type airplanes, either in India or in China, assigned to the China–Calcutta run come under the direct control of General Stilwell. They are subject to any orders he may give and can be used to carry any supplies desired by him.
The service between Calcutta and China is likewise subject to any interpretation that General Stilwell may give regarding facilities available or movement of this aircraft.
For the above purposes, a total of 25 airplanes were set up. The status of these airplanes is as follows:
| Chinese National Airplanes: | |
| Delivered to points east of Karachi and subject to General Stilwell’s control | 6 |
| At Basra enroute to General Stilwell | 1 |
| At Acra enroute to General Stilwell | 1 |
| Total | 8 |
| For the 10th Air Force: | |
| At Karachi | 3 |
| At Natal being repaired enroute | 1 |
| Total | 4 |
| Being prepared for flight to General Stilwell: | |
| At Morrison Field | 22 |
| Probably leave tonight | 8 |
| Balance at Morrison Field | 14 |
| The balance will leave at the rate of about 2 or more each night. | |
The airplanes allotted to this China service can be operated at General Stilwell’s orders by any crews desired. Accordingly, they can be operated by China National pilots or by Pan American pilots at his discretion.
The above applies to the total of 25 airplanes already there or which will arrive soon.
The number 25 was set because that is all that General Stilwell stated he could handle at this time with the airway and airdrome facilities in that area. However, it will be noted that we are figuring on sending a total of 34, hoping that provisions for utilizing the additional 9 can be made before they arrive.
Sincerely yours,
Lieutenant General, U. S. A.
- Adm. Ernest J. King, Chief of Naval Operations; letter not found in Department files.↩