December 27, 1944.
 
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
 
Subject:    Desire of British Government to Assist in 
                 Re-equipping the French Air Force
 
        A communication has been received from the 
British Embassy relative to the desire of the British 
Government to make an immediate offer to the French 
authorities to assist in re-equipping the French 
Air Force. A copy of the communication in question 
is attached herewith.
 
        As indicated in the British aide memoire, the 
specific proposal now advanced was considered by 
the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Admiral Leahy informed 
the Secretary of State that "from the military point 
of view there is no objection" to the British pro-
posal whereby the British would undertake to equip 
certain French air units.
 
       The "certain French air units" referred to in 
Admiral Leahy's letter are the same as those described 
in the attached aide memoire.  
 
       The British attach importance to proceeding with 
this matter as soon as possible and in view of the 
concurrence of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, it is recom-
mended that we notify the British that we approve.
 
        The question of our supplying equipment for French 
land forces, which was the main subject of Admiral 
Leahy's letter under reference, is being dealt with 
in a separate memorandum.
 
Enclosure:
         From British Embassy