893.00/5–349: Telegram
The Consul at Taipei (Edgar) to the Secretary of State
Taipei, May 3, 1949—11
a. m.
[Received May 3—4:58 a. m.]
[Received May 3—4:58 a. m.]
139. From Merchant. RefDeptel 177, April 25 to Canton. Through Dr. Wu, who has Government’s ear, Edgar and I have made clear belief further influx mainlanders would prove political health and economic liability to Formosa.
Relative aircraft arrivals recently tend indicate Canton and Hong Kong preferred over Taipei as haven by Shanghai refugees whose wealth, position enable air exit.
Wu stated flatly no troops left Formosa for mainland; some but “not substantial numbers” from Shanghai came and coming here. [Merchant.]
Edgar