893.24/5–449
Colonel David Li to the Deputy Director of the Office of European Affairs (Achilles)
Dear Mr. Achilles: In accordance with my conversation with you today regarding the 85 (eighty-five) Medium Tanks located in England, I am submitting the following information. A copy of this letter is being filed with the Munitions Division and the Division of Chinese Affairs.
On April 8, 1949 the application for the above tanks was filed with the Munitions Division for the import to this country from England and export to China of 85 Medium Tanks M4, without armament, manufactured during the early part of the last War. These tanks had been sold sometime ago last year by the British Government to the Rotinoff Construction Company in England for scrap. I have inspected these tanks and they are in the suburb of London. With extensive repairs and overhaul they can be used by my country in our fight against the communists.
It is my understanding that due to their condition and obsolete design, and without armament, no European country wants them or would undertake to rehabilitate and use them.
[Page 517]We are purchasing these tanks by barter in exchange for our scrap. In so doing we can save our Government money and make use of the equipment which is considered useless according to European standards and which has already been disposed of by the British government to a commercial firm.
I would greatly appreciate if you could expedite this matter and favor me with a definite answer.
Very truly yours,