893.24/1526

Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Far Eastern Affairs (Hamilton) to the Secretary of State

Mr. Secretary: You will recall that you told Mr. Ballantine17 and me last evening of further comments made to you by Mr. Stimson in regard to the matter of 800 trucks and that Mr. Stimson emphasized especially the view which he had gained as a result of making inquiries that the transportation route in question would be so hard on rubber tires that the tires would be damaged and the Chinese would get little, if any, use from the trucks. You mentioned that Mr. Stimson expressed the view that we might tell the Chinese that the rubber aspect of the situation, including the rubber shortage in this country, made it not feasible for this Government to furnish trucks at this time. Mr. Stimson said further that if of course you insisted they would carry out your recommendation.

You will recall further that in the memorandum which Mr. Hornbeck furnished you on January 28 (copy here attached)17a cognizance was taken of the material aspects of the proposed allocation of trucks; it was pointed out that the allocation suggested, if made, might or might not result in material advantages; and attention was called to [Page 600] political ends which might be served by such an allocation and which therefore should be given consideration.

The memorandum of January 28 concluded as follows:

[Here follow last two paragraphs of memorandum.]

It is our feeling that the views expressed in the memorandum of January 28 are sound and represent all that this Department can appropriately contribute on the subject.

M[axwell] M. H[amilton]
  1. Joseph W. Ballantine, Division of Far Eastern Affairs.
  2. Supra.