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

961.53/9–2954: Telegram

No. 307
The Ambassador in the Republic of China (Rankin) to the Department of State

top secret

Taipei, September 29, 1954—3 p.m.

232. Department’s 182.¹ Saw acting Foreign Minister last night and bared action recommended by Department re repeating proposal already made here that non-defectors from three ships (one Soviet and two Polish) be sent off on Soviet tanker Tuapse soonest.

He replied that with 16 defectors from Soviet crew of 48 Chinese Government was satisfied and indicated early consideration would be given to repatriation of remainder. As to Tuapse itself he could say nothing since matter in hands of higher authority, presumably meaning President Chiang.

Rankin

1. Telegram 182 to Taipei, Sept. 25, requested that Rankin again remind the Chinese authorities of the U.S. desire for the earliest possible release of the Soviet tanker Tuapse. (961.53/9–2554)