711.93/6–2747
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Secretary of State24
| Participants: | The Secretary |
| The Chinese Ambassador | |
| Mr. Thorp,25 A–T | |
| Mr. Vincent, FE |
The Chinese Ambassador called at his request on June 25. At the conclusion of lengthy discussions of economic aid to China (see memorandum of June 25 prepared by Mr. Thorp26), Ambassador Koo stated that he was under instructions from Chiang Kai-shek to request full implementation of the 8⅓ Air Group Program. He said that the Generalissimo was anxious to obtain combat planes and ammunition.
I told Ambassador Koo that we had only recently authorized further implementation of the 8⅓ Group Program to the extent of supplying China with transport planes and spare parts for all types of planes and equipment under the Program and that I understood action was now being taken to make these available to China. Mr. Vincent confirmed this. I told him that the Generalissimo’s request for full implementation of the Program concerned a broad issue which would have to be considered by the U. S. Government.
In response to his inquiry I told Ambassador Koo that I was not now in a position to make a reply to the Generalissimo’s request.