893.34/5–2444
Memorandum by the Under Secretary of State (Stettinius) to the Secretary of State
Subject: Transfer of Naval Vessels to the Chinese Government
You will find attached a self-explanatory memorandum from Mr. Grew73 on the above subject. Also I am attaching a memorandum from Mr. J. C. Vincent74 and a confidential memorandum submitted to me yesterday by Mr. Hornbeck.75
I don’t feel you need take the time to read these memoranda, but I feel this is a matter you will wish to discuss briefly with Mr. Grew on your return to the office. I feel it would be wise to proceed and that we should encourage this transfer if the Navy can see their way clear to make the ships available. It is more of a gesture at this moment than anything else. I think, as Dr. Hornbeck ably points out, it will be a gesture towards strengthening our relations with the Chinese Government particularly in their present difficult position.