Eisenhower Library, Eisenhower papers, Whitman file, Whitman Diary
No. 452
Memorandum by Colonel Andrew J. Goodpaster, Staff Secretary
to President Eisenhower
Memorandum of Conference With the President
Others present:
- Dr. George K. C. Yeh
- Dr. Wellington Koo
- Secretary Robertson
- Colonel Goodpaster
After exchange of initial courtesies, Dr. Yeh informed the President of three points the Generalissimo had asked be brought to the President’s attention:
He made known the Generalissimo’s sense of satisfaction on the conclusion of the Formosa Treaty, which would improve defense and close bonds of friendship between the two countries. He hoped these results would not be nullified by the promotion by others of a “two-China” theory, and hoped the President would find some way to nip in the bud any tendencies in this direction.
With respect to the off-shore islands, the Generalissimo recognized that the Treaty did not cover these, but felt that it would be a good psychological warfare move for the U.S. to give some form of assurance that it would provide logistic support for Chinese [Page 1041] forces engaged in their defense. (At this point the President indicated that he thought it would have been unwise to extend the Treaty to these islands; the heart of the matter was the declaration concerning Formosa and the Pescadores. He thought a good understanding had been reached in the negotiations on this matter, and felt that any actions against the off-shore islands could best be handled, case by case, each on its merits. It should not, he stressed, be thought that the U.S. is indifferent as to these islands.)
The Generalissimo also wished to inform the President of a proposed program for the training of reservists. It involves weeding out some 80,000 ineffectives, and training reservists for the Army, Air Force and Navy.
The President asked that the Generalissimo be assured of our warm friendship. Developments in China must be viewed in terms of long periods of time. He felt that there are signs that the Soviets and the Chinese Communists are having some difficulties. In any event, as of now, he considered there was no possibility whatever of our accepting Communist China. He asked also that the Generalissimo be informed that his views are weighed very seriously, and receive sympathetic consideration.
Dr. Yeh asked as to the President’s views concerning the situation in Indo-China. The President indicated it was very difficult but not hopeless; there are some possibilities still open to us.
Mr. Yeh said he felt a key question is how to apply pressure on the Communist world short of war. He recognized that it takes time to work out steps to be taken in unison.
The President asked that his warm greetings be given to the Generalissimo. He assured Mr. Yeh of his desire that the two countries work together. He asked that the Generalissimo remember the practical problems that bear upon the formation of U.S. policy in that area.