Office of the Historian

893.51/10–1945: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Chargé in China (Robertson)

Washington, October 19, 1945—6 p.m.

1705. Refer Dept’s 1635 Oct 9 and Dept’s 1680 Oct 16 for Adler from Treasury (ReEmb 1682 [1662] Sept 26 and 1731 [1781] Oct 1262) which together with Dept’s 1598 [1596] Oct 3 and 1643 Oct 10 from FEA cover situation to date with reference specific points raised Emb 1682 [1662].

Department’s information regarding loans is that Mr. Soong did not talk to the Export-Import Bank directly, but did talk to Mr. Leo Crowley, since resigned, in terms of a $560,000,000 Export-Import Bank credit. Mr. Soong is believed to have mentioned this sum to the President, who is reported to have indicated his general approval.

During the past week, representatives of the Chinese Supply Commission sent a letter to Wayne Taylor, President, Export-Import Bank, requesting a loan of $670,000,000 for the first year of a 3-year program. Mr. Taylor requested submission of further details as to requirements, specifications, and time periods for specific projects, and made no commitment pending receipt of said information. Embassy will be kept informed of developments.

Byrnes
  1. Latter not printed.↩