893.796/320
The Commanding General, Army Air Forces (Arnold), to the Adviser on Political Relations (Hornbeck)
Dear Mr. Hornbeck: In reply to your letter of April 3, copy attached,58a regarding the employment of American trained Chinese Air Corps pilots, definite plans have been made in this connection.
The formation of one Chinese Group, each, of fighters and dive bombers will be completed this year. These units will be trained and employed under General Chennault’s direction. The expansion of these units will be governed by combat operations and the flow of supplies into China.
[Page 50]Eighty Chinese pilots have been graduated from our Flying Training Command schools under the present program, and this group of pilots should constitute a good nucleus for the activation of the initial units. Sound brigading of these units with units of our own Air Force should produce favorable results.
Sincerely,
General, U. S. Army