811.2394A/11–1549: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Consul General at Taipei (Macdonald)
460. Reurtel 703, Nov 15. Dept was of opinion visit of staff team to Taipei proposed by CinCFE wld be inadvisable at this time and wld lead to unwarranted speculation re reasons for visit and possible implications of US mil action in Taiwan. Consequently after preliminary discussion with Dept Army Dept sent Deptel 457 to Taipei and Army sent similar tel to Tokyo. In light however ur unnumbered tel Nov 1449 to CinCFE stating clearance obtained which crossed Deptel 457, Dept informed Army objection withdrawn since cancellation after clearance obtained might multiply speculation. Army now sending follow-up tel to Tokyo informing CinCFE no objection staff team proceeding as originally planned.
Dept desires you pass off visit as routine affair in order avoid far as possible publicity and undue speculation re purpose visit.
- Not printed.↩