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