CO129-560-15 Traffic of arms to China 18-2-1937 - 15-11-1937 — Page 54

083/6033(M.1.1.).

sir,

54

8th November, 1937.

I am commanded by the Army Council to acknowledge receipt of Foreign office letters No. F.8298/130/10 dated 22nd October and 1st November, 1937 regarding the supply of 75 mm. anti-aircraft guns and ammunition to China.

2. AS regards the anti-aircraft guns required, I am to confirm that there is no prospect of their being available for delivery within a reasonable period, even if interference with the requirements of this Department were to be permitted.

3. In connection with the enquiry for ammunition, I am to state for the information of Mr. Secretary Eden, that as a result of discussion with Messrs Vickers-Armstrong Ltd., it has been ascertained that the twelve thousand rounds of 75 min. anti-aircraft ammunition referred to forms part of a previous enquiry for fifty thousand rounds which the firm had already been authorised to accept.

I am to add that enquiries have shown that no improvement on the dates of delivery already offered by Messrs Vickers-Armstrong is possible without serious prejudice to urgent orders placed by this Department with that firm. In these circumstances the Council regret that they are unable to agree to any steps being taken to offer earlier delivery in connection with this enquiry.

The Under secretary of state,

The Foreign office,

Downing Street,

S.W.1.

I am,

sir,

Your obedient servant,

Sgd. A.E. Widdows.