894A.02/6–249: Telegram
The Minister-Counselor of Embassy in China (Clark) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 3—8:39 a. m.]
Cantel 522. Inspector General Customs, Little,66 has shown me copies correspondence from Governor Chen Cheng of Taiwan to Minister Finance67 recommending that present Taiwan and Taipei Commissioners Customs be removed and replaced by head Conservancy Bureau [at] Kaohsiung and Mayor [of] Keelung, respectively. Before acting Minister Finance requested comment, Little who pointed out that such action would be death-blow to maritime customs service system which had been built up over period of almost century and has told Minister orally that if two men are replaced he, Little, will have no recourse but to resign and state publicly reasons why. Little has inquired whether there was anything we could do prevent this disruption customs service.
Although at first glance, question would appear to be one solely for Chinese internal decision, it occurs to me that in view our contemplated activities Taiwan and hope Governor Chen that our activities there will be enlarged, we might appropriately, either through our Consul [at] Taipei or ECA representative there, tell Governor Chen of our knowledge of his recommendations and say informally that whatever possibility exists of future US assistance in province Taiwan would most certainly be prejudiced if he were to take action contemplated. Also I might be authorized approach S. Y. Liu that sense. Would appreciate instructions.
Sent Cantel 522, repeated Nanking 356.