611.94A/9–750: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Rankin) to the Secretary of State
352. Foreign Minister Yeh appreciates helpful statements in Deptel 214, September 4. He expressed yesterday hope that more comprehensive and explicit US policy pronouncement on Formosa may be forthcoming but realized this may take time. Meanwhile he is under heavy pressure in Legislative Yuan to explain why Chinese Government was unable obtain UN investigation of undoubted Soviet aggression against China while Russia appears likely succeed in putting across UN investigation of non-existent aggression in Formosa. Yeh asks if any possible way US could help sidetrack Formosa investigation project. Considers it most unsettling single factor at present moment, affecting morale of both armed forces and public. Yeh hinted Generalissimo latest public reference to returning to mainland was effort offset effect of UN investigation rather than indication such action regarded in Chinese Government circles as at all likely. Foreign Minister said he probably will be forced stay here and forego attending GA as planned unless some reassurance received from Lake Success. Said Koo and Tsiang in full agreement with him and all three strongly dislike idea of employing veto. However, their hands may be forced by pressure here unless some other way out can be found.
[Page 489]Department in better position judge various factors to be considered at Lake Success but I agree with Foreign Minister that investigation project is having unfortunate effect here and promises do further harm with no offsetting advantages locally.