ABSTRACT
The closing stages of the Second World War in the Asian theatre saw a rapid rise in the deployment of US forces in South and South-East Asia. The Indian heartland became a principal staging area for significant US operations in the Asian theatre. As the threat from Japan receded, the growing strength of MaoTse-tung’s revolutionary armies became the focus of US strategic concern. Building on the provisions of the July 1947 agreement, the latest draft provided for US aircrew and military aircraft to be accorded the same treatment as that extended to the airmen and aircraft of the Indian Air Force. India would not charge any landing or housing fees and would provide radio, meteorological information and other flying aids free. Non-specialist servicing equipment would be provided on loan where such loans did not conflict with the needs of the Indian Air Force.
