§ 8. Mr. John Dugdaleasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give an indication of the assistance which has been given under Lend-Lease by His Majesty's Government to the Chinese troops in India?
§ Mr. LawThe House will know that, by agreement between the United States authorities and ourselves, the main responsibility for the equipment of Chinese troops in India rests with the United States Government. It will also be understood that, for reasons of security, it is not advisable to give full details of the help which we provide to these troops. I may say, however, that His Majesty's 637 Government have extended the Lend-Lease terms of "arms, munitions and military equipment" to China to cover the Chinese troops in India, who, though largely equipped by the United States Government, are supplied as required, free of charge, with everything which we supply to our own troops, such as rations, local currency for pay and allowances, quarters, transport, hospital services, medical and ordnance supplies and equipment. Anglo-Iranian oil has also been provided free in India and sent into China to the Chinese Air Force. The projects which have been financed by Lend-Lease from this country to China include construction by Chinese labour of strategic roads to Northern India. This, in general terms, is the aid which His Majesty's Government are giving to the Chinese operating in India.
§ Mr. DugdaleWill the right hon. Gentleman see that this important statement receives the fullest possible publicity in China and in the United States?