893.50 Recovery/10–2348: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Secretary of State, at Paris
Telmar 107. Thorough investigation completed past weekend revealed stocks held Pacific could provide considerably less than 10 percent total Chinese requirements under $37.8 million purchases including only about 1,000 rifles. (Martel 79 Oct 23) View administrative difficulties meeting commitment from several sources, Army decided not furnish any stocks from Pacific since requirements could be met more expeditiously from stocks in US. Schedule now provides vessel be loaded West Coast and sail mid-Nov with approx 5,000 tons equipment including bulk ammunition. Shipment should arrive China by Dec 1 or at latest early Dec.
Bulk of balance matériel approx 7,000 tons scheduled two shipments loading West Coast Dec 1 and Jan 1. Shipment loading Dec 1 includes [Page 185] remaining ammo and 40 percent rifles and small arms; balance small arms being checked and repaired for loading Jan. 1. Army expediting effort prepare this matériel for shipment prior present scheduled date Jan 1. Spare parts and maintenance equipment shipped later when available.29
- In a letter dated October 26 the Secretary of State relayed this information to the Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs (893.50 Recovery/10–2648).↩