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

690B.9321/2–1653: Telegram

No. 36
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the Republic of China

top secret
priority

Washington, February 19, 1953—7:29 p.m.

597. Re Embtel 846.¹ Situation northern Burma deteriorating so rapidly that it does not admit of further delay. If the Generalissimo has not yet returned Taipei you should proceed by air immediately to Kaohsiung to obtain immediate issuance orders by him to Li Mi along lines proposed Deptel 524 Jan. 30. These orders should provide for quickest possible implementation. If Generalissimo should argue that he is not in position issue explicit orders until personal consultation with Li Mi after latter’s arrival Formosa, you are to state that too much is at stake to permit such delay. Dept. wishes to impress upon you that exigencies of situation can be met only by immediate issuance unequivocal orders. Therefore on assumption Thai agreement which is believed likely, Chinese Govt. should make immediate plans for prompt despatch of shipping which it will be important be available at Thai port on arrival troops.

Rinden² authorized accompany you as your interpreter to Kaohsiung at your discretion.

Dulles

1. Dated Feb. 16; it reported that Chiang was still at Kaohsiung and planned to reserve decision on the troops in Burma until he could discuss the matter with Li Mi, whom he was summoning to Taipei for consultation. (690B.9321/2–1653)
2. Robert W. Rinden, First Secretary of Embassy in Taipei.