103.9169[/10–345]: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in China (Robertson)
1596. Further developments regarding disposition stockpiles as follows: (From FEA Harding [and] Bennett51)
- (1)
- Chinese Supply Commission has accepted on 3–C credit terms at full original cost all FEA-procured supplies in U. S. A. inventory and in process manufacture.
- (2)
- ANLC has answered Crowley’s letter, our 1513 September 21, as follows:
“I trust …52 that you will repossess the articles and declare them surplus to the needs and responsibilities of your agency. I urge you to transmit to me as soon as possible all available information, including information as to the quantities, condition, cost, value and location, with respect to the property you now intend to declare surplus. Upon receipt of surplus declarations in proper form, my agency will, of course, discharge its responsibilities under the surplus property act,53 regulations issued thereunder, and powers and authorities delegated by the War and Navy departments. Your agency will assume the responsibilities of an ‘owning’ agency with respect to the property.”
- (3)
- Crowley is replying as follows:
“You have also requested in your letter of September 21 that I transmit to you all available information with regard to Lend-Lease supplies in China and in India. I suggest that you have someone on your staff get in touch with Mr. Charles R. Bennett, Chief, China Division of FEA. I have instructed Mr. Bennett to make available all information which we have here in Washington and also to arrange to get for you such information as can be obtained from our field representatives in India and in China.”
It’s believed inventory information already requested from you will cover above requirements but further specific advices will follow proposed conference with ANLC.
Questions raised by your 1587 [1578], September 13; 1660, September 26; 1679, September 28;54 under discussion with ANLC. We will advise soonest. Harding [and] Bennett.