[David_Hayward (RIP)]

In February 1941 it was revealed that a new motor company [KABUL MOTOR SERVICE COMPANY] was being floated at Afghan Rs. 2 million, of which just 80,000 were available to the public. The Government were negotoiating with GM to supply 610 lorry chassis, costing ARs. 8 million, with delivery by end of May 1941.

Well, by July 1941 the Foreign Office, and Government of India, External Affairs, and Sec of State for India were dialoguing about the first 500 lorries and efforts were to be made through Washington (British Embassy) to persuade GM to presumably tell GM India to delay shipment and 'co-operate fully with us in this respect.' Phew!

To cut it short, in August 1941 it was further discussed that a Foreign Office telegram to Washington had stated that the GM rep. in Bombay had receeved a telegram from GM HQ that the business had been in touch with the NY Mission and Lord Halifax (Brit Ambassador then) with final agreement that for dipolatic reasons and because of a Commercial Treaty, GM should supply 670 plus 500 and stall regarding the second lot of 500. He had informed one of 'our officials in Bombay' that he was unable and '?unable' to ask the American factory (sic.) but in fact I should imagine Tarrytown or Flint, to withold shippng of ther next order opf 500 chassis 'now lying in NY by which we understand that first batch of 500m ,is meant'. Urgebt action was requested to be taken to, in effect, stall the first 500 in the same way as the second 500.

From memory the British in then end just took the production for the War Effort via GM India, and reimbursed for the cash paid in NY by the Afghan Purchasing Commission. However I shall leave that for another day!