611.94A/6–2750: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in China

top secret
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Telcan 39. Top secret and eyes only for Strong.1 You are directed to seek an interview at once with the Gimo2 and to communicate to him the fol msg, of which a copy shld be left as an aide-mémoire:

“I have been directed by my Govt to communicate to your Excellency the fol:

The attack of the North Korean forces against the Republic of Korea raises problems concerning the security of the Pacific area to which the United States, in view of its responsibilities in Japan and its general interest in the peace of the area, cannot be indifferent.

For this reason, the United States Seventh Fleet has been ordered to prevent any attack from the mainland against the island of Formosa, and the necessary dispositions have already been made.

Your Excellency will understand that a continuation of air and sea operations by forces under Your Excellency’s command against the Chinese mainland or against shipping in Chinese waters or on the high seas wld not be compatible with the discharge by the Seventh Fleet of the mission assigned to it. The US Govt is therefore confident of your full cooperation in the issuance of the orders necessary to effect the termination of such operations, and its forces have been instructed to proceed on the assumption that such orders have been issued.

Your Excellency will appreciate that these steps are motivated by a deep concern not only for the peace and stability of the Pacific area but also for the future freedom and well being of the peoples of China and Formosa.”

Acheson
  1. Robert C. Strong was Consul at Taipei and Chargé at the American Embassy in the Republic of China.
  2. Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek had resumed office as President of the Republic of China on March 1, 1950.