894A.00/3–847: Telegram

The Ambassador in China ( Stuart ) to the Secretary of State

491. Following Taipei telegram 43 to Embassy March 7, 5 p.m.

“Evacuation unessential persons unnecessary with situation as of today.

Plane request was based on likelihood airfield will be inaccessible in event outbreak general fighting which was distinct possibility at time and could still be if troops brought in or if restive younger Formosan groups now obtaining arms precipitate crisis by endeavoring emulate Formosan successes elsewhere on island. However, Government’s acceptance people’s demands (Contel 4018) render latter development less likely or if it occurs possibility now exists fighting may be localized areas where mainlanders being progressively concentrated or Government forces located. Assessment future probabilities and possible evacuation desirability also dependent on question whether Central Government intends to send reinforcements, which Embassy may wish to ascertain.”

Stuart
  1. See telegram No. 480, supra.