893.34/10–2446: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Stuart)
966. Navy is disturbed over recent reports from China to effect that Brit are contemplating transfer to China of a cruiser, a destroyer and other naval vessels and have completed arrangements for training in UK substantial number Chinese personnel. Navy feels that it is not in best interests of Chinese to take over cruisers or submarines at this stage and is concerned lest prospect of training in a foreign country will strain best qualified naval students into Brit training program. Navy believes that if these two projects are placed into effect British will gain predominant role in Chinese naval affairs.
Emb will recall that original Art 22 of draft agreement78 committed Chinese not to engage services of personnel of any third govt in connection with Chinese armed forces but that this article was deleted at request of Chinese because of its alleged implication of infringement of sovereignty and on basis of Gimo’s assurances that he desired only American type organization training and staff procedure (Embtel 1132, July 1379).
Dept feels acceptance British training and equipment would prejudice success of military advisory group program and would be violation of spirit if not letter of draft agreement and therefore desires that matter be taken up firmly with Chinese authorities. In light of above Dept feels that Emb should reexamine position with view to possible reintroduction of Art 22 into draft agreement.