893.796/361
The Ambassador in China (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 18.]
Sir: I have the honor to report that a director of the China National Aviation Corporation in a confidential conversation has informed me that the Calcutta office of the Corporation recently received a communication from the Government of India authorities complaining that C. N. A. C. planes have been flying over Tibet on the route between India (Assam) and China, and that such flying over Tibet should be discontinued.
I learn that in good weather the C. N. A. C. planes operating on the new route between Assam and Suifu do at times fly over part of Tibet, taking a route through a pass in the mountains with resulting greater safety for the pilots, planes, and cargo.
The director of the Corporation tells me that he referred the matter to the head office of the Corporation at Chungking, suggesting that for the time being no reply be given to the letter of the Government of India authorities and that if those authorities press the subject further they be informed by the Calcutta office that it is not competent to deal with it and any representations should be made to the Chinese Government.
The matter is reported for the confidential information of the Department as a further small indication of British interest in Tibet as opposed to China’s claim to suzerainty over that special area.
Respectfully yours,