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old. I suggested to the Minister of Education that he might have lists prepared of the items most urgently required and that this list should be confined to those of a size which it would be possible to send by plane. I said that I would then collect as many of them as were available in India or if not available I would substitute the nearest equivalents. I pointed out, however, that the main difficulty was likely to be transport and that, as the Chinese Government have more influence with the Air Lines at present operating than anyone else, the question of getting supplies into China would primarily be a matter for them. I also suggested that the possibility of microfilming suitable articles or even whole books or periodicals should be further explored. I understand that the Chinese Government have a representative in America at the moment looking into this matter and that in any case microfilms could be reproduced even now in China.
This
The idea
Although I did not mention it to anyone in China, I feel it would have beneficial repercussions out of all proportion to the expense or trouble involved if the Indian Government could arrange to run a special educational plane to china once or twice a week. would carry essential educational and medical supplies but might also be used for transporting exchange personnel
it as required. Its purpose should be clearly marked. should fly as low as possible and should certainly visit Chungking, Kunming and Cheng-tul. Each of these places has an airport and contains a number of universities including those evacuated from occupied China. of an educational bomber from India in contrast to lethal bombers from Japan is the sort of thing which I believe appeal strongly to the Chinese imagination. would also counter-act the depressing sense of increased isolation which is spreading as a result of recent events in Burma. I can think of no better instrument of propaganda. The possible alternative of reserving space for educational material in the existing air service
Any creuit would have much smaller propaganda value.
To be effective, would probably go to the Americans, however, any steps taken in this matter must be taken without delay.
would
Although
It
10.
The third point to which I have referred is the question of assistance in other respects. I did not notice it to any considerable e xtent and little
reference/