393.1115/10–3149
Memorandum by the Acting Secretary of State
Meeting With the President, Monday, October 31
evacuation of american citizens from formosa
Admiral Dennison80 was present at the time I summarized our views with respect to the citizens in Formosa, and both he and the President read the attached telegram No. 7398.81
The President said he was agreeable to our handling this matter in the manner indicated, at least for the immediate period. However, he stated that he desired real action in this matter and was particularly interested in getting out the American women and children. He said he felt a responsibility particularly to the children, and was willing to take strong measures to get them out. He indicated his feeling that the Communists could take Formosa almost on their own timetable, and that he did not wish to face another situation where Americans had remained behind with all the problems it involved.
In this same connection, the President mentioned the troubles we are having with our Consul General at Mukden82 and asked what progress we were making in getting communications through or getting the people out. I told him we had no direct communications but were making the strongest possible representation to the Communist officials. The President indicated that, if he thought we could get a plane in to bring these people out, he was prepared to take the strongest possible measures, including some utilization of force if necessary, and if he was sure it would be effective.
Admiral Dennison is to be kept informed completely on the Formosa matter.
- Rear Adm. Robert L. Dennison, Naval Aide to President Truman.↩
- See No. 411, supra.↩
- For correspondence regarding the Consulate General at Mukden, see vol. viii “Problems of United States Consulates in areas occupied by the Chinese Communists”, chapter I.↩