Office of the Historian

893.706/4–1345: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Chargé in China (Briggs)

Washington, April 13, 1945—4 p.m.

578. Department would appreciate any enlightenment which you can give on the reason the Theater Commander has disapproved the sending of TWA23 pilots to China at the request of the Chinese Government to assist in the operation of CATC.24 Confidentially, rumor has reached the Department that the decision was influenced by representatives of CNAC25 who are anxious to keep other American aviation interests out of China.

While Department believes it is for Chinese to decide their domestic aviation policy, nevertheless if they desire participation of second American group to assist in development of this very large field, Department sees no reason why they should not be encouraged. Furthermore, if the Chinese are determined upon having another domestic aviation company besides CNAC and American assistance for the second is not forthcoming, it is to be expected that the Chinese will turn to some other nation for the assistance needed.

Stettinius
  1. Transcontinental and Western Air, Inc.↩
  2. Central Air Transportation Corporation.↩
  3. China National Aviation Corporation.↩