Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, East Asia and the Pacific, Volume XII, Part 2

690B.9321/12–1853: Telegram

No. 137
The Ambassador in the Republic of China (Rankin) to the Department of State¹

confidential

Taipei, December 18, 1953—7 p.m.

357. Department’s 554,² Bangkok’s 1240 to Department.³ Discussed last paragraph first reference telegram with Foreign Minister who denies Chinese Government is responsible for or has any reliable information re alleged airstrip in southern Burma. He assumes it is one mentioned in press reports several weeks ago as being in vicinity of Amherst and regarding which Chinese Defense Ministry replied as above to his queries at that time. It seems to me improbable any airstrip being worked on in that area with connivance of Chinese Government at this juncture.

Foreign Minister hopes latest instructions sent to Colonel I may serve as basis for concrete proposal to Burmese. However, he promised give me written statement tomorrow for this purpose at same time transmitting it to Colonel I and to Thai Government (second reference telegram). He plans include information intended dispel misunderstanding over numbers available for immediate evacuation from Monghsat.

Orders were sent to jungle generals at Monghsat few days ago to evacuate 500 men by December 21 as evidence of good faith. Reply stated this not possible unless Monghsat definitely abandoned which would end entire operation. Further radio from jungle generals today, however, offers give up Mongmao and Pang-Yang on or about (probably before) December 29 as evidence good faith.

Ministry Defense may have overestimated numbers actually in Monghsat area. Admittedly difficult ascertain precise facts at this distance. Foreign Minister still hopes some more may be evacuated shortly to reassure Burmese but hopes latter will go along with longer term plan over which he remains quite optimistic as regards prospective results before rainy season starts late next spring.

Current press reports of fighting between Burmese and Chinese indicate latter may be 2,000 to 3,000 men under Chien Po-ying who has defied orders from Taipei and is on his own.

Rankin

1. Repeated to Bangkok and Rangoon.
2. Dated Dec. 17; it instructed the Embassy to inform the Chinese Government of the reported airfield construction; request immediate investigation; point out that the report, if true, implied a resumption of Chinese supply of the troops in Burma; and stress the urgency of stopping it. (690B.9321/12–1653)
3. Dated Dec. 18; it recommended that the Chinese Government be urged to make proposals to the Burmese Government through U.S. channels before Dec. 21. (690B.9321/12–1853)