893.64A/10–445

The Assistant Secretary of the Interior (Straus) to the Secretary of State

Sir: On April 25, 1945, Secretary Ickes submitted to you for your consideration and approval a draft of an agreement41 between the [Page 1442] United States and the National Resources Commission of China, providing for the preparation of detailed engineering reports on the development of the Yangtze River and its tributaries, to be carried on by the Bureau of Reclamation.

After a number of conferences and communications, the Department of State, both here and in China, found opportunity to discuss all questions involved with the Chinese Government, representatives of this Department, and other officials. On August 30, 1945, Mr. Willard L. Thorp, Deputy to the Assistant Secretary of State in charge of Economic Affairs, formally informed this Department42 that the Department of State is now prepared to approve an appropriate agreement, similar to the draft already before it, between the Bureau of Reclamation and the National Resources Commission of China for the preparation of the proposed report on the Yangtze Basin, the work to be done by and under the supervision of the Bureau but at the expense of China.

Accordingly, I am submitting for your approval an executed agreement, in quadruplicate, for the preparation of the Yangtze Basin reports between the United States and the National Resources Commission of China.43 It will be observed that, as to any subject matter involving international policy, this draft not only is similar to the draft heretofore submitted but is identical thereto and would, therefore, appear to be in exact accord with the previously expressed desires and approvals of the Department of State.

The form of the agreement is also in accord with the general practice in making contracts to be performed by Bureau personnel. It provides for study and report on the development of the entire Yangtze River Basin which will permit the construction of the various units in such order and over such periods of time as may be compatible with the industrial and agricultural development of China.

You will note that the agreement has been executed by the Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation and by the representative of the National Resources Commission and approved by this Department. If the form of the agreement is satisfactory, please indicate your approval by signing the attached original and copies. The original and two copies should be returned to this Department for further handling. The extra copy is enclosed for your records.

Very truly yours,

Michael W. Straus
  1. Not printed.
  2. Not printed; the Assistant Secretary of State (Clayton) attested the agreement of October 1. In a letter dated July 7, 1947, the Assistant Secretary of the Interior (Warne) advised the Secretary of State that the Chinese had requested temporary suspension of the agreement and enclosed an interim memorandum of understanding with the Chinese to this effect. In his response of July 9, the Assistant Secretary of State (Thorp) indicated that the Department had no objection to the suspension of the program and attested the memorandum. (893.6463/7–947)
  3. Not printed.