893.24/12–1548
Note by Rear Admiral Sidney W. Souers, Executive
Secretary of the National Security Council
NSC 22/2
[Washington,] December 15, 1948.
Current Position of the United States
Respecting Delivery of Aid to China
The enclosed memorandum by the Secretary of Defense on the subject is
submitted herewith for discussion by the National Security Council, and
at the request of the Secretary of Defense is scheduled as Item 3 on the
Agenda for the 30th Council Meeting on Thursday, December 16, 1948.
At the direction of the President, the Economic Cooperation Administrator
is being invited to attend the 30th Council Meeting for discussion of
the entire Chinese Aid Program, including both economic and military
assistance.
[Page 232]
[Enclosure]
The Secretary of Defense (Forrestal) to Rear Admiral Sidney W.
Souers, Executive Secretary of the National Security
Council
Washington, 14 December 1948.
Subject: Current Position of the United States
Respecting Delivery of Aid to China
- 1.
- The National Military Establishment is currently providing
facilities, services and transportation to the Nationalist
Government of China, in connection with its purchase of military
supplies under the China Aid Act. This assistance is being
expedited in compliance with a letter to me from the President
dated 20 October, 1948, a copy of which is attached for your
information.
- 2.
- In view of the present situation in China which has greatly
deteriorated since the President’s October letter was written, I
desire to raise the subject of the Chinese Aid Program of the
United States at the next meeting of the Council for the purpose
of reviewing the situation and obtaining guidance as to whether
the Military Establishment should continue to provide this
assistance and, if so, at what priority and under what
conditions.
- 3.
- You may desire to invite a representative of the Economic
Cooperation Administration to attend the meeting for
consideration of this item since further military assistance is
closely related to continuing economic assistance.
[Subenclosure]
President Truman to the Secretary of Defense
(Forrestal)
[Washington,] 20 October
1948.
My Dear Mr. Secretary: The Congress has
appropriated $125,000,000 for military aid to China. It is my
understanding that this program is proceeding in good order except
in the case of the assembly and shipment of small arms and
ammunition. I am advised that the first shipment of this badly
needed material is scheduled for early December and the final
shipment in January, 1949. These small arms and ammunition are
needed in China as soon as possible. I, therefore, direct that the
shipments, be expedited.
Very sincerely yours,
