Foreign Relations of the United States, 1946, The Far East: China, Volume X

893.24/6–746

Memorandum by the Secretary of War (Patterson) to the Secretary of State ³¹

OPD 400.3295

Washington, 7 June 1946.

1. Reference to letter of 4 June 1946 from Secretary of War to the Secretary of State on military programs for aid to China, it is apparent that two of these programs, namely the Reoccupation Program and the Training and Equipment Program cannot be completed before 30 June, the expiration date of the authority to transfer government-owned equipment to the Chinese under lend lease. These two programs have been essential to the Chinese in their efforts to reestablishing law and order over the Japanese occupied territory of China, in repatriation of Japs, and in preparation for reorganization and integration of the Chinese Army in the pattern envisaged by General Marshall.

2. The Reoccupation Program is now nearing completion, and final requisitions for the supplies required are being submitted to appropriate supply agencies by the Commanding General, U. S. Army Forces, China. The Training and Equipment Program requirements are only partially known at present but furnishing of these known requirements is also nearing completion; final requisitions are being submitted to appropriate supply authorities. It is strongly believed that positive action should be taken to insure the completion of these two programs of assistance; failure to do so would tend to nullify the beneficial effects they have already produced.

3. It is estimated that completion of these two programs will involve the expenditure of approximately $25,000,000 and will require an extension of assistance until 31 October, 1946. Estimated cost for the completion of the Reoccupation Program was included in the War Department letter to the Secretary of State of 18 February, which outlined the various Lend Lease Programs of Military Assistance to the Chinese Government; the Training and Equipment Program was not included in the War Department letter mentioned above, since the program was initiated after the letter was dispatched.

4. It is recommended that the State Department initiate action to authorize the transfer of government-owned supplies and equipment necessary for the completion of these two programs of assistance after 30 June 1946, and that a letter of authority be provided to the War Department to complete these two programs after 30 June 1946.

5. This matter has been discussed informally with Mr. Havlik, Chief, Lend Lease and Surplus Property Affairs, and he is acquainted with the details of these programs.

For the Secretary of War:

R. L. Vittrup

Colonel, GSC

31. For the attention of the Director of the Office of Far Eastern Affairs (Vincent).