Rain. Received a deputation from Hunan: members worried about the domination of Changsha over other parts of the province. Gave them all the assurances possible, especially since they came in the midst of rain.
Hendrickson went to the Ministry of Food. Hsu Kan 【徐堪] asked that 50% of UNRRA 【聯合國善後救濟總署] food be delivered to him, promising that the proceeds of the sale be delivered to CNRRA 【行政院善後救濟總署]. Marvelous diplomacy!
C. M. 【李卓敏] told me that somebody in the Ministry of Agriculture asked Hendrickson for some agricultural supplies on the ships coming.
Hendrickson in all case referred such appeals to me.
Heard indirectly that Hendrickson favors $650,000,000 for China, plus ocean shipping expenses: that means about 800,000,000 in all.
Saw T. V. 【宋子文] today. He told me to close the deal with UNRRA and the British Minister of War Transport, on British terms. He also thought I need not accept 650,000,000,000 as yet.
I have made up my mind to stand on my final line of defense: 750,000,000, plus ocean shipping expenses—i.e., 900,000,000 in all.