690B.9321/11–453: Telegram
No. 120
The Ambassador in the Republic of China
(Rankin) to the Department of State1
secret
Taipei, November 4, 1953—5
p.m.
260. Embassy officer summoned to Foreign Ministry today and handed following translation of message to Li Mi from “Unified Military and Political Committee” in Mong Hsat dated October 30:
- “1. Bombing of Mong Hsat October 29 by Burmese Air Force when troops again being concentrated for evacuation showed [Page 169] beyond any doubt that Burmese assurance of cease-fire was merely a trick. American guarantee that Burmese would act in good faith therefore also unreliable.
- “2. In compliance with wishes of government, first batch of 400 evacuees will still be despatched to Tachilek. They will arrive there in three groups on November 3, 4 and 5 respectively. Further evacuation will have to depend on course of action to be taken by Burmese and American Governments.
- “3. No adequate means of transportation such as rolling stock or motor vehicles are available here. The way that American Government continues to side with Burmese and exert pressure for speedier evacuation despite practical difficulties involved has made our men feel very resentful.”
Foreign Ministry official said message contained additional paragraph which Foreign Minister reluctant to reveal to Embassy. He made off-the-cuff translation roughly as follows:
“United States at first supported us, but now they are supporting Burmese. Without US support Burmese would not have launched attacks against us.…”
Rankin
- Repeated to Bangkok and Rangoon.↩