690B.9321/3–2153: Telegram
No. 54
The Chargé in the Republic of China
(Rankin) to the Department of State1
priority
988. In 40 minute talk with President Chiang this morning I reviewed arguments for withdrawing Li Mi troops from Burma border region as stated my telegram 878, February 22 and subsequently. I pointed out again US position is result high-level interagency decision; also that it would be most unfortunate at this time when possibility exists of increased or accelerated US aid if Washington climate for discussing such matters were adversely affected by Chinese Government refusal accede to US desire in present case.
Generalissimo repeated his earlier arguments and asked why if US supporting anti-Communist guerrilla activities elsewhere we are unwilling support Li Mi. I replied that important difference exists in that his troops are in Burma, which immediately places us in wrong in eyes of free world besides weakening position of Burma Government which our representatives in Rangoon believe could be saved from Communists.
I then urged that whatever Chiang felt was right or wrong of matter it would be better part of wisdom to agree in principle. I pointed out I was not now asking him to issue actual order, to which he had previously objected, but simply to agree in principle to withdrawal of his forces. He replied this might prove impossible and I remarked it would not be his fault if agreement in principle could not be implemented. (Comment: He seems obsessed with importance of taking no step which would lead to his later being accused of bad faith. For better or worse this is contrary to experience in many countries where agreement in principle is freely given with no intention of carrying out.)
Generalissimo then asked me put essence of foregoing in writing. I agreed do this in letter to Foreign Minister which I am phrasing as follows: “My understanding of US position is that immediate step requested of Chinese Government is agreement in principle to [Page 80] withdrawal of as many troops as practicable”. Chiang said he would send his answer to me through Foreign Minister (note second paragraph my telegram 956, March 12 in this connection).
Chiang informed me he had sent for Li Mi’s deputy to proceed Taipei immediately since General Li incapacitated.2