73. Telegram From the Embassy in the Republic of China to the Department of State1
504. A–1110, June 26, 1964.2 Present were [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] General Chiang Ching-kuo, and interpreter in connection with briefing of President Chiang today on highly classified matters reported [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] separately. President called attention to IL–10 planes recently reported at Foochow. He stated that these planes gave ChiComs considerable added capability for attacks on Taiwan, offshore islands and China shipping. He asked that I recommend speeded delivery of programmed MAP equipment not yet delivered as a means to counter this threat. Asked if request was general or for any specific equipment. President replied that principal fear was raid on shipping by PSA class boats and that Bull Pup would give a capability to handle this threat. I agreed to transmit his request.3
I stated that Dept has recently expressed concern that ChiNat raids launched from off shore islands would stimulate retaliation by ChiComs and that I had so advised FonMin. President stated that US should not be concerned about this matter.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL CHICOM-CHINAT. Secret; Limdis.↩
- See footnote 3, Document 31.↩
- Telegram 583 from Taipei, January 7, stated that the U.S. military evaluation was that the IL–10 aircraft did not represent a significant increase in the threat to Taiwan, and that expedited delivery of Bullpup missiles was therefore not warranted; it recommended that Wright should discuss this with Chiang. (Department of State, Central Files, DEF 19 US–CHINAT) Telegram 745 to Taipei, February 9, concurred. (Ibid., POL CHICOM-CHINAT)↩