894A.01/11–1748: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cabot) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:37 p. m.]
2449. Formosan leader called Consulate General today and asked following be passed American authorities with request it receive highest degree protection: In event fall Nanking there will be move by Taiwanese patriots to establish independence and this uprising will not be Communist-inspired as Generalissimo and his Government will claim but will represent effort Taiwanese free themselves from oppression.
Informant stated he understood from recent press reports American General Headquarters would be removed Taiwan and his concern for American Government appreciate need for strict neutrality this period. Removal National Government officials or Chinese Armed Forces to Taiwan by American Naval vessels would be interpreted by Taiwanese as breach neutrality and act to thwart independence movement.
He was informed if American civilian and military lives imperiled measures would certainly be taken by American Government to protect them. He replied Taiwanese would see no harm came to any Americans.
He stated political Vice Minister of Justice Hung Lu-tung and several other high ranking members National Government asked for his participation and help in setting up National Government at Taiwan which it anticipated doing only in event of assurances magnified American aid. Without this assurance he stated National Government would not proceed Taiwan as it would find itself “trapped” on unfriendly ground.
Sent Department 2449; pouched Nanking 1855, Taipei 133, Hong Kong 141.