893.34/12–947: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 9—7:35 a.m.]
2362. Reference last paragraph Deptel 1459, December 3. Embassy officer orally conveyed assurances [to] Director, American Department, Foreign Office, that Navy will undertake fill reasonable Chinese ammo requirements on cost basis as maintenance item under provisions article 3 (b) of agreement regarding transfer naval vessels.
Officer who conveyed these oral assurances is now in receipt of personal letter from Director, American Department, referring to discussion and stating as follows:
“During the discussion I understood that you had informally assured me that the U.S. Navy would undertake to fill reasonable Chinese ammo requirements on cost basis as maintenance item under provisions article 3 (b) of the above-mentioned agreement. I should be grateful if you could confirm that the foregoing understanding is correct.”
Although agreement has already been signed, Foreign Office still desires reply to letter. We would appreciate being informed whether Department would have any objection to concerned officer confirming oral conversation by means of a personal letter over his signature to Director, American Department.