893.796/304: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:07 a.m.]
443. Embassy’s 383, April 10, noon. In an informal note received today Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs states in substance that, having referred the matter to the competent authorities, he has received their reply which is in substance as follows: Certain quarters have suggested that, with a view to facilitating improvement in the management of the CNAC, it be transferred to the National Aeronautical Commission, but no decision has been reached and the suggestion has nothing to do with military control.
It might theoretically be argued that the Aeronautical Commission is a non-military, that is, non-army, organization. Practically, it is under military control, is subordinate to the Military Affairs Commission, and to all intents and purposes is a military organization.
There are now only 6 planes under operation by the CNAC of which 4 are temporarily grounded for repairs or overhaul. The fact that CNAC with its limited equipment cannot meet the many demands upon its services is apparently being seized upon in some Chinese quarters as a pretext for asserting that difficulties (resulting solely from limited equipment) can be overcome by administrative changes. Actually the difficulties can be overcome only by the receipt of additional planes and spare motors and parts from the United States.
I shall reply to the Vice Minister reaffirming the position taken during my conversation with him on April 9 which was in accordance with Department’s 259, April 4, 7 [6] p.m.