740.0011 Pacific War/3428
The Chinese Foreign Minister (Soong) to the Secretary of State
Washington, August 18,
1943.
Dear Mr. Secretary: …1
I also enclose for your information a memorandum on our assignments
of Canadian munitions. While it may not be as detailed as my verbal
discussion with you,2 it is an outline which includes the essential
points.
I am [etc.]
[Enclosure 2]
Memorandum by the Chinese Foreign
Minister (Soong)
Memorandum Regarding Canadian
Munitions
Many months ago the Chinese Government approached the Canadian
Government for aid in supplying munitions under their Mutual Aid
Plan. A definite program, embracing nearly 60,000 tons of
ordnance and supplies for the next year, was mutually agreed
upon between myself representing the Chinese Government, and Mr.
Howe, the Canadian Minister of Munitions. The program received
the official sanction of the Canadian Government, and orders
have been actually placed by them.
None of these munitions would involve taking away any essential
supply of munitions required by the U.S. or British armies.
Shipping for these supplies to India (where the Chinese
Government intend to keep a stockpile of these goods until the
Burma Road or some alternate route, such as the Iranian Highway
through Central Asia, could be developed) are likewise
available.
On various pretexts, technicalities were advanced by the American
authorities through Dr. Lauchlin Currie to have the Canadian
Government either stop or curtail these supplies.
The Secretary is earnestly requested to approach the President to
give instructions that all objections, which are indeed not in
line with
[Page 660]
the broad
and generous friendship of the United States for China, be
withdrawn.
[Washington,] August 18,
1943.
