894A.00/5–1349: Telegram
The Consul at Taipei (Edgar) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 13—8:21 a. m.]
164. From Merchant. Had unrewarding talk with Chen Cheng May 12. Edgar and C. K. Yen present. Made point influx from mainland economic [and] political liability. Governor replied also concerned but that movement now was small, under control and many only in transit. Governor refused reply my direct question present troop strength on island and number prospective arrivals, saying would be held to number he considered necessary for defense.
Governor talked lengthily on fertilizer need expand exports particularly with loss Shanghai markets. Made no request for economic aid, piously emphasizing need for own efforts which might later justify US help.
[Page 333]Governor stated he would defend Formosa come what may and thought he could. Said mainland picture gloomy and will no doubt darken further. Governor took pains point out 20 years’ service under Generalissimo made any thought refusal his move here out of question but said Generalissimo will not return to office unless popular demand and “foreign diplomatic developments” require his resumption leadership. Governor implied Generalissimo unlikely come Formosa.
Closing I said US shared patriotic Chinese concern over possibility Formosa fall into mainland chaos and underlined seriousness economic-political problem mainland’s war in and out of uniform.
I depart for Hong Kong May 13 hoping take PanAm for US May 14. [Merchant.]