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

894A.00/10–2349: Telegram

The Chargé in China (Strong) to the Secretary of State

Chungking, October 23, 1949—noon.
[Received October 24—4:19 a. m.]

Cantel 1221. As third major point in conversation on October 22 (Cantels 1219 and 1220, October 23¹⁵) Chu Chang-wei¹⁶ said President Li was anxious be informed of U.S. policy on Taiwan and declared Li authorized him say that Li was willing see Taiwan in hands of a friendly country rather than taken by Chinese Communists as they controlled by USSR. Chu stated Li would prefer a joint Sino-American Commission govern Taiwan but if US not favor this proposal US could properly take over Taiwan “by right of conquest.” To avoid charges that such action violated moral obligation undertaken by US at Cairo to return Taiwan to China, he explained US could promise cede Taiwan back to China some future time. Moral obligation of US respect to recovery of Taiwan by China had now become, he averred, responsiblity to keep island from Communist control. He declared that reference Taiwan problem to UN would be inadvisable because of Soviet opposition and urgency of problem.

Disclosing that General Chen Cheng recently telegraphed General Pai Chung-hsi¹⁷ his concern about Taiwan defense and referring present Communist military activity at Chinmentao¹⁸ he asked for information soonest on US position regarding Taiwan.

Strong

15. Vol. viii, “Political and military situation in China”, chapter VIII.
16. Secretary and political adviser to Acting President Li Tsung-jen.
17. Chairman of the Chinese Military Strategy Advisory Board.
18. Quemoy Island.