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

690B.9321/6–1053: Telegram

No. 80
The Chargé in the Republic of China (Jones) to the Department of State¹

secret
priority

Taipei, June 10, 1953—3 p.m.

1277. Regarding Embassy telegram to Department 1274,² repeated information Rangoon 35, Bangkok 37 and Bangkok’s telegram 2463³ to Department Taipei 64, Rangoon 120. Foreign Minister informed me today that Colonel I Fu-de was scheduled return to Bangkok Friday and meanwhile every effort was being exerted to clarify all doubtful points in negotiations.

Specifically, on points listed by reference telegram Chinese Government was (1) willing to accept tentative US draft proposal as basis for discussion (2) making earnest effort to work out mutually acceptable cease-fire formula. Foreign Minister has recommended acceptance of latest Burmese proposal (Bangkok’s reference telegram) which Li Mi now studying. (3) working out with Li Mi practicable plan for obtaining cooperation of his troops. (4) issuing instructions to Colonel I which would enable him to move toward final solution.

Foreign Minister again assured me that Chinese Government was not dragging its feet but that it must be certain that steps it takes do not backfire resulting in accusations of bad faith. He said cease-fire area question was not so difficult as various problems connected with the actual withdrawal and disarming of troops, especially troops which might refuse to obey order to evacuate. In this connection, he mentioned that Li Mi does not consider Burmese representative would be safe in Mong Hsat even under ceasefire arrangement unless all his troops were disarmed.

Foreign Minister also raised one minor aspect of matter which should be settled in connection with overall agreement. Burmese have in custody several hundred Chinese soldiers and civilians who should be released and evacuated simultaneously.

Finally he said that President Chiang in expressing his willingness to cooperate fully in removal of troops from Burma, wished to re-emphasize his previously stated position that Chinese Government could not be held responsible for what it was unable to do and hoped that Burmese would consider issue closed after termination Committee’s work.

Jones

1. Repeated to Rangoon and Bangkok.
2. Dated June 9; the Embassy in Taipei reported that Jones was still trying to obtain Chinese cooperation with regard to the troops in Burma. (690B.9321/6–953)
3. Dated June 8; the Embassy in Bangkok reported that Aung Gyi informed McGowan of a new Burmese proposal, to be made to the Committee on June 10, to establish at least five safety zones in the area east of the Salween. (690B.9321/6–853)