811.79693/9–946: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai ( Davis ) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 9—11:55 a.m.]
1691. William R. Ewing, CNAC pilot, called at ConGen57a regarding utilization CNAC planes and American crews to carry supplies to Nationalist troops. Mytel 958, September 7, repeated to Dept. as 1672. From his statement such supplies have included war material such as hand grenades, mortar shells, rifles and in one instance a tank. He is apprehensive lest such activities involve him in difficulties under American statutes. ComGen58 does not believe activities bring pilots concerned within provisions of section 401 of Nationality Act of 1940,59 as amended, but considers it undesirable for reasons of policy for American citizens to participate. Embassy’s views would be appreciated.
Sent to Nanking as 966, repeated to Dept as 1691.