893.014/11–145: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in China ( Robertson )
1776. War Dept has informed Dept that it desires to accomplish aerial photography and obtain necessary ground survey control data of China beginning immediately. War Dept desires first to photograph China proper and Formosa and possibly Tibet and Sinkiang. In late spring of next year War Dept wishes to extend mapping operations to cover Inner Mongolia and Manchuria. War Dept will if desired furnish Chinese Govt a set of duplicate negatives and plot maps of photography accomplished as well as copies of control data obtained and will permit Chinese official observers to accompany mapping units during operations.
Dept desires that Embassy approach appropriate Chinese authorities with view to obtaining latter’s clearance for commencement at earliest possible date of operations outlined above. Before making this approach to Chinese authorities you should discuss this matter with General Wedemeyer1 who has copy of War Dept mapping plan and keep him informed of developments. Please report results of approach by radio.
- Lt. Gen. Albert C. Wedemeyer, Commanding General, U. S. Forces in the China Theater and Chief of Staff, China Theater.↩