893.243/5–2647
Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Chinese Affairs (Ringwalt)
[Washington,] May 28, 1947.
Responsive to Mr. Vincent’s memorandum of May 26, 1947 in regard to the transfer of munitions to China, the following action has been taken:
- 1.
- “Generalissimo” rifle ammunition. Dr. Shao-Hwa Tan, Minister of the Chinese Embassy, and Mr. L. F. Chen of the Chinese Supply Commission have been informed that there is no objection to the purchase of this ammunition through OFLC channels. Colonel Muir, P & O, War Department, and Mr. Upton, OFLC, have been given the appropriate authorization to proceed with this transfer. (See first paragraph of the attached memorandum of May 26 [28], 1947, addressed to Colonel Muir.2)
- 2.
- 8⅓ Air Group Program. Colonel Muir and Mr. Upton have been authorized to include in the items being transferred to the Chinese Government under this Program transport planes and spare parts for all equipment transferred thereunder. (See second paragraph of attached memorandum of May 26 [28], 1947.)
- 3.
- Policy Committee on Arms Control. The necessary clearance for the transfer of the “Generalissimo” rifle ammunition has been obtained from the PCA3 by the FE member in consultation with General Crain of A–H.4 In view of the policy established by the PCA on July 29, 1946, of withholding arms and ammunition from the Chinese Government, the FE member will report to the PCA at its next meeting with the recommendation that this restriction on the shipment of arms to China be rescinded.
- 4.
- British and Canadian Governments. On May 26, 1947, Mr. H. A. Graves, Counselor of the British Embassy, and Mr. Ralph Collins, Second Secretary of the Canadian Embassy, were orally informed that this Government is now prepared to grant export licenses covering shipments of arms to China.
Arthur R. Ringwalt