026 China/8–1549: Telegram
The Consul General at Taipei (Macdonald) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:37 p. m.]
387. Attitude of local Chinese officials has been most cordial and friendly since release of White Paper contrary to our expectation of strong resentment followed by cool treatment on part of Chinese with whom we had friendly and close relations. Several officials called at ConGen last week and talked at length in very friendly-frank manner. K. C. Wu56 spent over hour and half talking to Edgar57 and me. He said we must have no secrets and I will answer any questions you ask. C. K. Yen58 also spent over an hour discussing economic situation.
Yesterday at CAF59 cocktail party officials were unusually gracious and friendly including Governon Chen and General Chou Chih-jou60 who insisted having picture taken with him several times.
The sincerity of this present attitude is questionable in as much as the desperate hope for American aid is paramount and every effort is being made to influence US favorably. The remark of a Chinese official to the French Consul that “If we receive American aid and get strong again we won’t forget the White Paper” perhaps best typifies true Chinese feeling.
Sent Department 387, repeated Canton 184.