Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, China and Japan, Volume XIV, Part 1

793.00/7–2253: Telegram

No. 126
The Ambassador in the Republic of China (Rankin) to the Department of State

secret
priority

Taipei, July 22, 1953—5 a.m. [p.m.?]

50. Pass this and following telegram to Admiral Radford. Recent evidences of Chinese Communist build-up in Tachen area have suggested their intention of attacking Chinese Nationalist-held islands in that group where defense preparations considered seriously inadequate by MAAG. Latter’s recommendations as conveyed to Chinese military and Generalissimo last week included replacement of Commander and despatch of one well-trained regular division from Formosa to relieve assorted units now stationed there.

Uncertainty over Generalissimo’s reaction prompted me to seek interview, letting him know in advance purpose of my request. I saw him July 18 for more than hour with Foreign Minister present and supported MAAG proposals. After considerable discussion he said he was prepared to act favorably on MAAG recommendations. However, he asked me transmit his views on question of off-shore islands which he gave me in detail and at same time directed Foreign Minister to prepare written summary for actual despatch to Department. This document reached me today and is transmitted textually in immediately following telegram.¹

Reference to above document will indicate Chiang’s request for US statement of interest in off-shore islands falls considerably short of suggestion they be included in “US defense perimeter”. Although Deptel 54² arrived after our July 18 talk, I had told Chiang it was improbable US willing make any statement, however, informally, which could be taken as commitment to war with Communist China in event latter should attack Tachen, et cetera. He understood that fully but thought some such statement as in following telegram would have significant deterring effect.

Rankin

1. Infra.
2. Telegram 54 to Taipei, July 20, reported that the prevailing view in Washington was that responsibility for defense of the offshore islands must remain with the Chinese Government, which could avail itself of the maximum U.S. assistance allowable under the current directives, and that the Department of Defense was not disposed to concur with CINCPAC’s recommendation for westward expansion of the U.S. defense perimeter. (793.00/7–2053)