May 5, 1942
 
     My dear General Arnold:
 
          I gather that the air ferry to China is
seriously endangered.  The only way we can get certain
supplies into China is by air.
 
          I wish you and Mr. Lovett would confer
immediately with Dr. Soong and General Shen on 
alternative air routes.
 
          I want you to explore every possibility, both
as to airplanes and routes. It is essential that our route be
kept open, no matter how difficult.
 
               Very sincerely yours,
               
                    Franklin D. Roosevelt
 
Lt. General H.H. Arnold
Chief, Army Air Forces
War Department.