894A.00/5–1749: Telegram
The Consul at Taipei (Edgar) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 17—5:14 a. m.]
168. Captain [of] Keelung Harbor Police told me about 1,000 of 3,000 passengers on last week’s ship from Shanghai were admitted without permits. At dinner Governor Chen confirmed this, saying “poor people had no other place to go, were not Communists and had friends here”. I suggested overcrowding might foster communism locally.
Mayor of Taipei, same dinner, expressed personal concern over law and order problems here result of “uncontrolled” influx.
Assistant Military Attaché here reports 8,000 army recruits arrived Keelung over weekend.
Details yet unknown but believe with ECA Craig that Island’s business leaders and more serious government bureau heads are consulting and preparing some move which may take form widely-backed public appeal to Chinese Government for separatist solution Taiwan problem or to US or UN or FEC52 for trusteeship status.
Osborn53 reports from Taiwan that K. C. Wu is generally considered as President Li’s selection as next Governor Taiwan with Chen Cheng returning to mainland and General Sun Li-jen as overall military authority here. Occasional mention same possibility heard in Taipei. When last seen, Wu appeared again unwell.
Sent Department 168; repeated OffEmb Canton 35.