811.22793/11–1445: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Robertson) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 15—1 a.m.]
1973. There is quoted below a message from Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek to President Truman; the message was given our Army headquarters here by representative of Generalissimo:
“My Dear President Truman: China has no existing facilities for training C. A. F. personnel in China. Chinese Air Force training schools are planned so as to commence training beginning 1 May 1946 but the output will not have become available to China until 1 May 1947. Under previous Lend-Lease agreements this training was planned and scheduled to be completed in United States. A cessation of such training in the United States before 1 May 1947 would seriously affect the Chinese Air Force and prevent its normal expansion as contemplated in the Palmyra plan which was tentatively approved by your War Department. There are 2,259 C. A. F. personnel now undergoing training in the United States. One hundred ninety-two en route and 1,285 personnel in China awaiting transportation for such training. It is urgently requested that until postwar training arrangements and methods of settlement are completed between China and the United States that the completion of this training program in the United States and the transportation required be authorized. My Government will expect to bear the expense of this program under agreement to be concluded. Signed Chiang Kai-shek.”