690B.9321/11–2353: Telegram
No. 124
The Ambassador in Burma (Sebald) to the Department of State1
504. Bangkok’s 10022 raises fundamental questions whether (a) present evacuation is not in fact smokescreen for continuation KMT operations in Burma; (b) Li Mi possibly aided and abetted by certain segments Chinese Government proposes keep control over those remaining with view continuing nefarious operations in Burma and Thailand including opium smuggling racket.
It appears me time has arrived when US Government should squarely face issue whether it should continue bear brunt criticisms over this affair in Burma in particular and SEA in general when party most directly involved fails exert its utmost in bringing about reasonable solution. Argument that Chiang has no influence over Li Mi and thus over KMT’s is patently transparent. Key to problem appears lie in Chiang’s hands who could if he would I believe cleanse this sordid affair without undue difficulty.
Unless present favorable opportunity is seized now in endeavor once and for all solve this problem I can only anticipate continuing difficulties and serious obstacles our relations not only with Burma but I should think in our endeavors give support Chinese Nationalist Government’s international position in UN and elsewhere.
I therefore strongly recommend Embassy Taipei be urged make strong approach to Chiang pointing out folly of present halfway measures.
- Repeated to Bangkok and Taipei.↩
- Dated Nov. 18; Donovan reported that he witnessed the arrival of a Chinese detachment at the evacuation center the previous day. Lt. Gen. Lu Kuo-ch’uan, Commander of the 28th Army, told Donovan that until a few days before, he had 2,000 men in his command but that all but 450 were taken from him by the “Mong Hsat Committee.” (690B.9321/11–1853)↩