WAR DEPARTMENT OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF WASHINGTON MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT: Subject: First Special Bombing Mission (China). General Stilwell, prior to his departure from the United States for China, was informed by General Arnold concerning a projected bombing mission which, for convenience is known as the First Special Bombing Mission. We have assumed that the Generalissimo was acquainted with the purposes and details of this mission, but it was not mentioned in dispatches prior to receipt of a radio from General Bissell dated April ll, in which the Generalissimo voiced his objection to the project. His reason was that Chuchow was not protected by his Ground Forces, and he feared loss of the field by enemy action. At the time of receipt of this message it was thought here that the reference was to a second project, known as "Halpro". On April 13, General Bissell was informed that the First Special Mission was too far advanced for cancellation. He was informed that the second mission, to take place at a later date, would come under the control of General Stilwell upon its arrival in his area and would be coordinated in accord&nce with the Generalissimo' s desires. The Generalissimo's opposition to the First Special Mission was again voiced in a radio of April 15. On April 16 a message was received saying that the Generalissimo had reluctantly agreed to the carrying out of the First Special Mission. He stated that fields at Yushan, Lishui, Kian, Keweilin, and Henyang might be used. This does not include Chuchow, as in the original plan, which he definitely objects to being used. By telephone from Mobile, General Arnold informed us this morning that the First Special Mission would probably not be executed for three or four days. He recommended that a memorandum of facts be sent to you at once. ACTING CHIEF OF STAFF |