894A.00/8–1849: Telegram
The Consul at Taipei (Edgar) to the Secretary of State
Taipei, August 18,
1949—7 p. m.
[Received 11:54 p. m.]
[Received 11:54 p. m.]
399. Fall of Foochow and North Islands causing local despair. Today both T. Y. Liu of Taiwan Power and local American businessman expressed general intelligent opinion saying when coast goes Taiwan is doomed unless US takes positive action. Internal conditions here such as make frontal attack unnecessary. Both asked separately if US fully appreciated shortness of time available as well as general local willingness support any American move, even preliminary token nature.
Sent Department; repeated Canton 192.
Edgar