893.20/773: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in China (Vincent)
352. Reference Embassy’s 242, February 18, 1 p.m. concerning British Air Mission to China. Substance of reference telegram was brought to the attention of the War Department. War Department states that it has no record of the receipt of a request from the Chinese Government to make available air instructors; that General Stilwell endeavored, unsuccessfully, to persuade the Generalissimo, who requested the British in September, 1942 to furnish air instructors, to decline the British offer; that General Arnold’s37 efforts at this end have elicited a reply from Sir John Dill38 to the effect that the British Chiefs of Staff feel unable to stop this Mission since such action would cause embarrassment at this stage. Sir John further informed General Arnold that the Mission has no strategic or political significance; that it should not run counter to or embarrass General Chennault’s39 operations; and that instructions have been issued to the Mission to collaborate fully with United States officers in China at all times.