Office of the Historian

794A.00/8–450: Telegram

The Chargé in China (Strong) to the Secretary of State

secret   priority
Taipei, August 4, 1950—8 a. m.

188. DepteL95, July 31 and mytel 180, August 3. Following verbal reply by Chen Tai-chu last evening re bombing of junk concentrations on coast opposite Chinmen:

“Since Chinese Communists concentrated troops on coast opposite Chinmen and attempted invade Chinmen, and in view of suspension of military action against mainland, Chinese troops in Chinmen in very difficult position. Recently Chinese Communists landed at Ta Tan and were annihilated and driven back (sic). After that campaign Chinese Communists concentrated large number ships preparing for large scale invasion of Chinmen. On July 30 we received very reliable information that Communist vessels were on point of sailing to attack Chinmen. In view of this situation, CAF was obliged take appropriate action of self-defense for protection of Chinmen.”

Chen added that Ta Tan was a probing attack to test resistance for which forces were concentrated on three sides of Chinmen for large scale attempt; Chinese Government got good intelligence and had to go after them; distance too close and would be little chance of stopping them once they set sail.

I remarked I would pass reply to Department but was of opinion it was not very satisfactory.

[Page 417]

Rumors renewed that evacuation of Chinmen imminent. May have called off earlier plan to evacuate when heard of MacArthur visit and felt had to bomb to disrupt Communists until could sound out MacArthur.

Yesterday afternoon George Yeh told me he was shocked at Associated Press item that MacArthur had sanctioned offensive action against mainland and requested newspapers state his report had no official confirmation. Said also instructed Vice Minister Foreign Affairs Shih Chao-ying say at press conference that Chinese Government wished hold to its commitment to US Government but bombing was in retaliation for Communist attack on Ta Tan.1

Strong

  1. The Department of State sent the following response in telegram 193, August 28, to Taipei:

    “Reurtel 188 Aug 4 Dept considers Nationalist explanation of bombings unsatis and bombings as outside compass ‘defensive action’ envisaged Deptel 61 July 22 ‘on or from these islands’.

    “Bombings as such unreported recently. Accordingly, believe it unnecessary make new approach Nats re subject for present but pls continue follow developments closely.” (794A.00/8–450)

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