893.24/12–3047
The Secretary of the Army (Royall) to the Secretary of State
Dear Mr. Secretary: State Department letter, signed by Mr. Lovett, on the subject of transfers of ammunition between the Department [Page 937] of the Army, American manufacturers, and the Republic of China was received by the Department of the Army on 16 December 1947. The Department of the Army did not consider that this letter provided sufficient authority to permit it to proceed in this matter. Consequently, a representative of this Department, Major General Arnold, called upon Mr. Butterworth and requested him to include in the letter statements to the effect that the contemplated transactions are “in the National interest” and that “the Department of State requests the Department of the Army to proceed in this matter”. The subject letter was returned to the Department of the Army on 24 December, but the requested revisions were not made.
It is the belief of the Department of the Army that the contemplated transfer of ammunition to China, as well as other similar matters pertaining to military assistance to a foreign government, are matters of foreign policy and, as such, should be clearly enunciated by the Department of State. The Department of the Army feels that it must look to the Department of State for adequate instructions before acting in matters of this nature since they constitute implementations of approved United States governmental policies.
In view of the indefinite phraseology of existing legislation, the Department of the Army would suggest inclusion in State Department instructions in matters of this nature a statement to the effect that the action under consideration is “in the National interest” so that the Secretary of the Army can make the requisite certifications. It is further suggested that the Department of State specifically request this Department to take the actions desired and give as definitely as possible the scope of assistance desired.
The letter in question is being returned herewith, in the hope that a revised letter will be issued which will permit the Department of the Army to proceed promptly in this matter.
Sincerely yours,