121.5493/9–3048: Telegram
The Ambassador in China ( Stuart ) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 30—4:33 a. m.]
1799. Have not yet exhausted efforts obtain FonOff approval Attaché plane flights continue same basis heretofore and not yet accepted FonOff counterproposal to transfer plane to AAG as authorized urtel 1299, September 11. Instead, we requested they register transfer C–47 from AAG to Air Attaché, but FonOff note replied that “foreign diplomatic missions or Attachés providing own aircraft is not agreeable to Chinese Government, Ministry cannot grant request”. This stand, in conjunction with oral statement to Minister-Counselor by head protocol division that FonOff reluctant grant Attaché plane privileges to US lest British and Russians demand same which Chinese Government not disposed to grant, bears out our belief 1939 Sino-Soviet air agreement not the real obstacle to granting permission for Tihwa flight (see enclosure to Embdesp 343 [342], August 11). Above background submitted light of alleged Department statement contained ourtel 1798 of September 30. We are endeavoring supply Tihwa by using plane facilities AAG to Lanchow, thence by truck to Tihwa.