123 Stuart, J. Leighton: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 19—1:54 a. m.]
1317. When I first received Department’s instructions to return US for consultation (Deptel 510, April 22,58 repeated telCan 103, Shanghai 727), I requested Admiral Badger’s59 assistance in trans-Pacific flight in view uncertainties availability commercial transport from China. Badger promptly replied by offering 4-motor plane his personal disposition (the one which flew Madame Chiang to US last autumn). Badger has still kept this offer open as seen by statements his recent press conference Tokyo.
Since I have staff airplane capable of making Pacific trip and because of obvious convenience of being accompanied by members my own staff, I prefer to use my Air Attaché’s B–17 presently based Canton. (ReDeptel 705, June 16, repeated telCan 342, Shanghai 1213.) This plane would meet me in Okinawa after I had flown out of Nanking in Air Attaché’s C–47. It could bring Minister Clark from Canton where I could have much-needed consultation with him at Okinawa without misinterpretation which would surely be attached to any visit of mine to Canton at this stage. Clark could return to Canton from Okinawa in C–47 which would then be based Canton. I see no special reason for keeping B–17 China once C–47 is released from here, and after it has transported me Washington it could be reassigned there by Air Force to more useful post.
If, however, flight of B–17 to USA at this time for this purpose is not agreeable to Air Force, I intend to accept Admiral Badger’s offer his very comfortable plane which he has stated will be available to me on 24 hours notice whenever I request it.
Would be grateful for Department’s comments.
Sent Department; repeated OffEmb Canton 547, Shanghai 714.