893.00/11–2048: Telegram
The Ambassador in China ( Stuart ) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 20—3:28 a.m.]
2270. We left note with Foreign Office this morning suggesting Taiwan as temporary haven for foreign refugees whose lives may be endangered by spread of hostilities and Communist domination (Deptel 1644, November 17, repeated Shanghai 1954, Taipei 60). Foreign Office official said he would refer suggestion to Provincial Government [of] Taiwan.
He was not encouraging. He said Chinese Foreign Office had already made survey of housing conditions Taiwan as possible refuge for [Page 951] families of Chinese officials and Diplomatic Corps; that results of survey were negative and that he doubted Taiwan provincial government would be able to accommodate refugees.
In response to his query we expressed hope that IRO would finance evacuation to Taiwan and maintenance and care of refugees there until they could be moved on to permanent settlement. Foreign Office official said he would inform us promptly of Taiwan Provincial Government decision.
Sent Department, repeated Shanghai 1639, pouched Taipei.