893.24/1327: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Gauss) to the Secretary of State 2
[Received May 8—6:40 a.m.]
527. During a conversation with Political Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs3 on Wednesday I learned that China has been endeavoring for some time to arrange for movement of oil and supplies through Iran and Soviet Russia for transport thence by the northwest route into China, that the Russians have been procrastinating in the matter, that China sought British assistance, that Britain has suggested to China that as Russia is in need of tin it would be desirable that China offer Russia tin which China cannot now ship to the United States, and that the British mission in Washington and Chinese Embassy are taking up this matter with our Government to obtain release of tin earmarked for the United States. Vice Minister hoped that this might lead to Russians consenting to transport Chinese supplies over Turk-Sib Railway but has no assurance to that effect. He says that for the first few months China could move about 4,000 tons a month by northwest route and later increase tonnage to 8000. He expressed hope that American Government will do anything it can to further the proposal to send supplies to China via Russia.