DEPARTMENT OF STATE                     
 
                            WASHINGTON                      
 
                        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 Air Force. A copy of the communication in 
                  question is attached herewith.            
 
                                                            
 
 
As indicated in the British aide memory, the Joint Chiefs 
      of Staff considered he specific proposal now advanced. Admiral 
      Leahy inormed the Secretary of State that "from the military 
      point of view there is no objection" to the British proposal 
      whereby the British would undertake to equip certain French air 
                              units.                        
 
                                                            
 
 
The "certain French air units" referred to n Admiral 
      Leahy's letter are the same as those de-scribed in the attached 
                           aide memory.                     
 
                                                            
 
 
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.     
 
                                                            
 
 
                      E.R. Stettinius                       
 
                            Enclosure:                      
 
      From British Embassy.