F 8298/130/10.
Sir,
FOREIGN OFFICE, S.W.1.
22nd October, 1937.
102
With reference to Foreign Office letter
No. F 7791/130/10 of the 12th October, regarding the
supply of war material to China and to the Department
of Overseas Trade memorandum No. 19525/1937 of the 16th
instant, I am directed by Mr. Secretary Eden to inform
you that further investigation indicates that it is in
respect of anti-aircraft ammunition that the Mayor of
Canton desires delivery to be accelerated.
Matheson and Company have informed the Department of
Overseas Trade that they have received from Canton an
enquiry (not a definite order) for 12,000 rounds of
ammunition and 1,200 cordite charges for 75 mm. anti-
aircraft guns. They have applied to Vickers
Messrs.
Armstrong, Limited, who have offered to supply one quarter
of the goods in question five months from the signature of
the contract and subsequent quarters at intervals of two
months.
2. I am further to inform you that on the 18th
October the Chinese Ambassador, in conversation with the
Deputy Under-Secretary of State, spoke of the urgent need
of Canton for anti-aircraft guns and ammunition; he had
received a telegram from Mr. T. V. Soong to the effect that
twenty 75 mm, guns were needed, with 2,000 shells for each
Sir Alexander Cadogan held out no hope to His
Excellency of permission being accorded to any firm to
gun.
The Under-Secretary of State,
War Office.
accept/