811.20 Defense (M)/8833: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Gauss)
823. 1. We are very much gratified at the increase air shipments reported in Kunming’s no. 71 of September 3, 9 a.m.31 However, discrepancy appears between total wolfram shipped up to September 1 and total wolfram samples. Former amount is approximately 849,000 kilograms whereas latter appears to be less by about 125,000 kilograms. Can you clarify? Suggest repeat first paragraph Kunming’s no. 60 of August 6, 4 p.m.31 apparently badly garbled.
2. With reference to your no. 919 of August 8, 9 a.m. Metals Reserve cannot see its way to purchase tin at this time without opportunity for transport out of China.
No encouragement is being given to the Chinese here in response to the request that tin be temporarily substituted for wolfram lest they fail to make every possible effort to supply wolfram in sufficient quantity to utilize all available space consonant with the needs of the other high priority materials. Do you consider that the Chinese can supply wolfram sufficient for this purpose; and if not have you any recommendations?
3. With reference to the Department’s no. 778 of August 29, noon,31 has any progress been made in the transport of bristles out of Chungking?