Office of the Historian

893.20/311: Telegram

The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State

Shanghai, March 28, 1932—9 a.m.
[Received March 28—1:32 a.m.]
1.
Reference my March 14, 10 a.m., transmitting Military Attaché’s message concerning aviation experts, Minister Soong emphasizes importance of promptly obtaining chief expert and assistants of sufficient rank and prestige to enforce proper discipline among Chinese aviation personnel. Therefore he particularly requests employment of an officer from active list or if that is not practicable from retired or reserve list of sufficient rank and experience to undertake difficult and important task expected. Chinese Government understands that officers selected may be required to resign commission in the United States Army upon employment by the Chinese Government. Services of one principal and at least two or three assistants are desired immediately. [Page 637] The principal expert should be qualified in military aviation, a good organizer having tact, and preferably foreign experience. Soong states that Government contemplates giving such expert rather wide authority in order to promote aviation development. His assistants should be qualified in training pilots. Personnel for training in commercial flying could be drawn from existing staff of China Airways, but personnel to teach observation, combat and bombing should accompany expert. When progress warrants additional experts may be sent for. The Chinese Government is prepared to remit to such persons as may be engaged a sum sufficient to cover traveling expenses and an advance on salary.
2.
Could the Department suggest one or more experts such as for example Generals Fechet or Foulois qualified to head the mission who in turn would submit names of associates? If the Department does not wish to suggest head of mission perhaps War or Commerce Departments could do so.
3.
In view of the importance attached to the matter by the Chinese Government I strongly urge prompt reply. In making recommendations please indicate qualifications and salary and earliest possible date of arrival.
4.
Soong states confidentially that both the French and Italian Governments are prepared to arrange for aviation mission desired by the Chinese Government.
Johnson