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

690B.9321/7–2553: Telegram

No. 87
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the Republic of China¹

secret

Washington, July 28, 1953—1:01 p.m.

67. Reference Bangkok telegram sent Department 216 repeated Taipei 22 Rangoon 27.² Concerned apparent reluctance Chinese Government exert maximum effort carry out UNGA pledge cooperate fully attempt repatriate Li Mi forces. Believe imperative Chinese take all possible steps soonest end confusion surrounding Chinese participation Bangkok Committee and seek earliest possible flow maximum number repatriates. You are requested bring matter personal attention Chiang soonest emphasizing following.

1. Continued dilatory and inconclusive Chinese Government action will greatly increase jeopardy Chinese Government’s UN position. Real danger would exist Government of Burma might be successful September session UNGA in forcing adoption resolution strongly condemning Chinese Government thus providing additional impetus for concerted effort by unfriendly members unseat Chinese Government and seat Communist China. Efforts US and other friendly governments support Chinese Nationalist position would be undermined by seeming failure Chinese Nationalists comply in good faith with UN commitment. Imperative Chinese Government fortify by favorable record of cooperation its moral right remain spokesman for China in UN.

2. Actions listed below considered immediately possible and desirable and are urged upon Chinese Government:

(a) We understand Li Mi has ordered Li Tse-fen Formosa. Obedience this order would facilitate exercise Chinese Government control forces Burma and support Bangkok Committee. Urge Chinese instruct Li Tse-fen arrange Committee visit Monghsat soonest and authorize Col. I accept evacuation plan prepared Committee, reserving Chinese position re civilians Burma.

(b) Authorize Col. I propose to Committee early repatriation appeal to Li Mi troops pamphlet air drop backed by personal order Chiang and endorsed by Li Mi.

(c) Authorize Col. I propose that Committee immediately following signature agreement proceed Monghsat area to perfect withdrawal arrangements.

(d) Take immediate steps curb press statements and other actions Li Mi which hampering repatriation effort and encouraging intransigence Monghsat leaders.

(e) Prepare utilize US funds offered support project (Bangkok telegram 11 Taipei 13 Rangoon)³ and authorize Col. I communicate promise to both Committee and forces in field.

Early conversations planned Ambassador Koo and T. F. Tsiang UN stressing necessity early action by Chinese.

Rangoon authorized inform Government of Burma US making strong appeal Chinese Government for early action accept and implement Bangkok Committee plan.

Dulles

1. Also sent to Rangoon; repeated to Bangkok and USUN.
2. Dated July 25; it reported a conversation with Colonel I, who told Brown that Li Tse-fen had received instructions from Li Mi to go to Taipei. (690B.9321/7–2553)
3. This telegram, sent to the Department as 123, concerned a plan to offer each evacuee a payment of $20 as an inducement to evacuate, the money to be provided by the United States, and the payment to be supervised by the Joint Committee. (690B.9321/7–1553)