Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, The Far East: China, Volume IX

893.01/5–649: Telegram

The Consul at Taipei (Edgar) to the Secretary of State

Taipei, May 6, 1949—5 p. m.
[Received May 6—8:28 a. m.]

150. Question being asked locally why in view McDermott⁴⁵ Taiwan statement⁴⁶ US Government separately or jointly with others has not made official public approach to Chinese and particularly to Governor Chen here, that, although recognizing interim de facto Chinese administration Taiwan, US and other governments have responsibilities Taipei welfare and cannot disregard recent tendency Chinese to treat Taipei in unilateral manner endangering peace, welfare natives not yet legally Chinese. Taipei must not be dragged into Chinese civil conflict.

Sun Moon Lake quarters definitely prepared for Gimo, also see Deptel May 5 re FonOff.⁴⁷ Troops and official refugees continue pour in.

Approach might not succeed but has definite chances, would establish position and hearten natives.

Sent Department, repeated OffEmb Canton 26.

Edgar

45. Michael, J. McDermott, Special Assistant to the Secretary of State for Press Relations.
46. On April 15 Mr. McDermott stated “the status of Taiwan is exactly the same as that of the Kurile Islands during the war and their final status will be determined by the peace treaty if and when we get one” with Japan.
47. Not found in Department of State files.