893.24/2–2448
The Secretary of State to the Secretary of the Army ( Royall )
Dear Mr. Secretary: I have received your letter of February 24, 1948, and welcome the information contained therein to the effect that further substantial tonnages of ammunition have been located which can be made available for sale through OFLC to the Chinese Government. I am taking steps to facilitate the consummation of these sales.
I appreciate the difficulties under which the Department of the Army is operating in determining the surpluses which can appropriately be made available to the Chinese Government. At the same time I believe that every effort should be made to make these determinations and to make surplus disposal of such supplies and equipment as may be useful to the Chinese. I have particularly in mind the desirability of determining to what extent Chinese requirements, as set forth in the lists mentioned in Mr. Lovett’s letter of December 31, 1947,57 can be met from stocks surplus to the Army’s needs and where such surplus material is located.
With reference to your question whether the Chinese Government should be supplied with bombs larger than 100 pounds, this Department has been informally advised by the Chinese Embassy that it is the intention of the Chinese Government to utilize such large bombs for salvage purposes.
Faithfully yours,