611.90/2–353: Telegram
No. 33
The Acting Secretary
of State to the Embassy in the Republic
of China1
533. In course of conversation on another matter with Ambassador Koo2 on Feb 3, Assistant Secretary Allison drew Ambassador’s attention to following paragraphs Associated Press story datelined Taipei concerning reactions on Formosa to change in 7th Fleet mission:3
“The new United States policy toward Formosa is expected to step up Nationalist raids on the mainland of Red China and may permit an airlift of men and material to Chinese Nationalist forces clinging to a foothold in the Burma border region.
“The policy switch would permit reinforcement and supply of Gen. Li Mi’s 10,000 to 15,000 troops who have held out on the Burma border area of southwest China since the collapse of Nationalist armies on the mainland in late 1949.”
Pointing out undesirability linking change in 7th Fleet mission with Chinese Nationalist troops in Burma, Allison expressed concern that such story should originate Taipei and asked Ambassador convey his Government our hope speculation this kind could be avoided. Allison took opportunity explain to Ambassador danger to security Burma and threat free world cause Southeast Asia arising from activities Chinese troops Burma and our serious doubts they effective anti-Communist force. He expressed US hope that some plan could be worked out with Chinese and Burmese Governments remove troops from Burma.
Ambassador indicated he would pass these views his Government, although stated he did not believe press story originated official sources but merely represented press speculation.
- Repeated to Rangoon.↩
- Chinese Ambassador to the United States.↩
- President Eisenhower announced in his State of the Union message to Congress on Feb. 2 that he was issuing instructions “that the Seventh Fleet no longer be employed to shield Communist China.” For text of the message, see Department of State Bulletin, Feb. 9, 1953, pp. 207–211.↩