893.24/8–147: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 1—7:16 a.m.]
1629. In course of conversation President Chiang stated that he desires to purchase from the American Government 10 million rounds of M–2 .50 caliber aircraft machine gun ammunition, with links, the delivery to be earliest possible being urgently needed for immediate use. He suggests two possibilities, 1, existing stock on or near west coast authorized for immediate shipment to be replaced by [Page 881] the Chinese purchase or stock somewhere in western Pacific be similarly advanced. Have advised President Chiang communicate directly with Chinese Embassy Washington for dealing with War and Navy Departments.