893.24/8–1948: Telegram

The Ambassador in China ( Stuart ) to the Secretary of State

1536. Office of Belgian Embassy informs Assistant Military Attaché that representatives of Fu Tso-yi in Shanghai approached Belgian importers to contract for purchase of arms and other military matériel. (Importers?) informed representatives that Belgian Government would grant export license only if proof were forthcoming that Nanking Government agrees to this purchase. Fu’s representatives assured importers that Government had agreed to transaction in principle and that they could secure documentation of Government concurrence. They have not returned since, so that it appears that Government refused to concur in this transaction. Belgian Embassy officer also stated that “Yangtze Valley provincial military leader” had approached Belgian firms in effort to purchase arms. He said that Swedes had been approached by Fu, but Government is unwilling sell arms in China because of fear of repercussions from Soviets. He stated that although Swedes have furnished arms to T. V. Soong, the transaction was carried out by French national acting as representative of Belgian firm.

Sent Department, pouched Peiping, Tientsin, Shanghai.

Stuart