793.5/10–2350
The Secretary of State to the Chinese Ambassador (Koo)
The Secretary of State presents his compliments to His Excellency the Chinese Ambassador, and has the honor to refer to his note of October 23, 1950, requesting assistance in procuring twenty-five F–51D aircraft which it is understood are to be used by the Chinese Government.
The Secretary of State regrets to inform His Excellency that F–51D [Page 604] aircraft are not available for sale to the Chinese Government due to other requirements of the United States Government for all aircraft of this type.
However, it is understood that a representative of the Chinese Embassy has indicated informally to representatives of the Department of Defense that the Chinese Government is interested in procuring from 50 to 100 F–47-type aircraft, should the F–51 type aircraft not be available.
The United States Government approves the sale of fifty F–47D aircraft to the Chinese Government under the provisions of Section 408(e) of the Mutual Defense Assistance Act, as amended, subject to the conclusion of arrangements between the Chinese Government and the United States Department of the Air Force covering the details of this transaction, including rehabilitation and preparation for shipment of the aircraft.
If such arrangements are concluded, it would be appreciated if His Excellency would advise the Secretary of State to that effect in writing, enclosing a check made payable to the Treasurer of the United States to cover the total cost of the equipment to be transferred under such arrangements.
This approval will remain valid for a period of thirty days from the date of this note.