Office of the Historian

The Adviser on Political Relations (Hornbeck) to the Secretary of State 11

[Washington,] February 18, 1943.

Mr. Secretary: In anticipation of your conversation with the President:

Probably the most important subject that calls for consideration at this time in connection with Far Eastern matters is that of giving concrete evidence of this country’s intention and capacity to deliver in China materials of war. This is important because it has a definite bearing on the problem of keeping China actively in line as a fighting member of the United Nations group. That is a political question. [Page 10] It is important now because the American people and the American Congress (to say nothing of the Chinese) are becoming increasingly worried, impatient and insistent about it. That is a political matter. It is especially important at just this moment because of the presence of Madame Chiang as a guest of the President and Mrs. Roosevelt and because of the probability that Dr. T. V. Soong will arrive here in the very near future. Those also are matters of political, important political import.

S[tanley] K. H[ornbeck]
[Annex]
[Washington,] February 18, 1943.

Toward delivering in China materials of war, the thing that would probably be at this time easiest of execution physically would be to send additional transport planes, with cargoes of machine guns, other equipment, and ammunition. Next easiest would be the sending of additional bomber planes. Third easiest would be the sending of additional fighter planes, and spare parts, miscellaneous equipment and ammunition—for the reinforcing of the U. S. A. A. F. which is under the command of General Chennault.

Something ought to be done, also, toward straightening out the rivalry and confusion which appears to exist among the higher command personnel of the American armed forces operating in the Assam-China theater. If the President is not familiar with the details of that situation, it might be helpful were he to call for a complete and objective report on the subject.

  1. Copy obtained from the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, N. Y.↩