893.248/3–2748
The Chief of the Division of Chinese Affairs (Ringwalt) to the Counselor of the Chinese Embassy (Tsui)
My Dear Mr. Tsui: Reference is made to the conversation which took place in my office on March 26, 1948 during which you requested assistance in the implementation of an offer made by a member of the Army Advisory Group at Nanking for the immediate transfer to the Chinese Government of about twenty C–46 aircraft.
I have discussed this matter with the concerned officers of the United States Government in Washington and I now take pleasure in informing you that agreement has been reached for the transfer of sixteen to twenty excess C–46 aircraft to China under the 8⅓ Group Program. It should be noted, however, that the unfulfilled requirement of this type of aircraft under the Program is only three aircraft, and that the remaining thirteen to seventeen aircraft are furnished to replace those already transferred but reported to be unserviceable at the time of transfer. In arranging for the transfer of the additional thirteen to seventeen aircraft under the 8⅓ Group Program it should be understood that this action is not to be considered: [Page 51]
- a.
- A precedent or commitment to furnish any aircraft or spare parts in addition to those required to complete the Program.
- b.
- A precedent to deliver items surplus in one area to another area more convenient to the purchaser.
- c.
- An acceptance by the United States of the Chinese contention that many of the aircraft already transferred were unserviceable at the time of transfer.
Sincerely yours,