123 Stuart, J. Leighton: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China ( Stuart )

736. Urtel 1317, June 18. Dept understands Dept Air Force intends order Air Attaché’s B–17 return US prior reassignment Canada. Dept informed Air Force instructing Air Attaché adjust plans for flight suit your schedule. Understand Air Force bearing cost trip as normal operational transfer. In view above no objection ur utilizing return of B–17 for trip to Washington. Suggest you coordinate plans Air Attaché keeping Dept informed. Dept wld not be disposed approve trip in Adm Badger’s plane as costs, whether chargeable Navy or State, wld be excessive and wld rightly subject Navy, State and yourself to public criticism.

Acheson