893.20/7–2549: Airgram
The Minister-Counselor of Embassy in China (Clark) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 7—10 a. m.]
A–3. Reference Cantel 815, July 25, 1949, rptd Taipei 78. Some details concerning the organization of a Foreign Legion and Volunteer Air Force, first broached in the reference telegram, were recently made known to the Embassy by Yin Jen-chai, Secretary and Advisor to Premier Yen Hsi-shan.
According to Premier Yen’s present plans, which Yin says have been discussed with, and heartily approved by, both Li Tsung-jen and the Gimo, the Foreign Legion would total 100,000 soldiers from all countries of the world. No plans regarding recruitment, budget, organization, etc., have yet been formed. When it was suggested to Yin that the goal might be a little high, he said that the Premier has received numerous offers of help from various and sundry people. He mentioned specifically that Stennes, Chiang’s former chief bodyguard now in Germany, would probably help.
On the Air Force, Yen’s proposals are more concrete. Present plans call for a total of 166 planes. Of the total, 150 would be fighter, bomber, observation, and other types which could be bought from the United States surplus at a total cost of $2,000,000 (U.S.). The other 16 planes would be transports which it is hoped Chennault would furnish free of charge. The total personnel of this Air Force would number roughly 1,300 foreigners (pilots, crew members, etc.) and 2,000 Chinese. Total operating costs for the Air Force are estimated at US$1,000,000 per month, for salaries, gasoline, parts, etc.
[Page 457]Both the Air Force and Foreign Legion would be directly responsible to the Supreme Policy Committee and would have only liaison connections with the Ministry of National Defense and CAF.42
Mr. Yin of course thought these two organizations would require some foreign financial support.
- Chinese Air Force.↩