Office of the Historian

229. Message From the Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs (Robertson) to the Secretary of State1

Honolulu, April 27, 1955—6:01 p.m.

[Message No. 10.] I am greatly concerned over repercussions in Taiwan if and when US decision not to assist in defense Quemoy and Matsu becomes known.

Evacuation of Tachens very unpopular move and was strongly opposed in Cabinet. Gimo forced decision on what he termed “personal word of President to assist in defense of Quemoy–Matsu in lieu of public announcement first expected.” Gimo fully understood US was not making permanent commitment to defend islands thus enlarging treaty area, but he confided to Yeh “that never in his darkest moments did he expect US to alter decision as to immediate situation.” Aside from difficulty of conditioning Cabinet and public to idea of abandonment of islands, interdiction proposal did not appeal because Gimo feared US “would again back away under allied pressure.”

When we left Taipei, US decision not commit US forces in defense of islands had not been communicated to Cabinet. Yeh greatly worried how situation is to be handled and is particularly anxious that no US announcement be made at this time. I strongly urge that US accede to his request. Gimo does not control either Cabinet or party to extent generally thought and we are dealing with highly explosive situation which could seriously jeopardize US interests in the Far East.

Unless conferences desired with Radford and me on Saturday,2 Radford planning arrive Washington Saturday evening in which event I will drop off Richmond returning Washington Sunday evening.3

  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 711.5800/4–2155. Top Secret; Eyes Only; Operational Immediate. Transmitted in telegram 280401Z from CINCPAC to CNO. Received at the Department of Defense at 12:15 a.m. on April 28.↩
  2. April 30.↩
  3. Dulles replied in message no. 8 to Robertson, transmitted in telegram 281440Z from CNO to CINCPAC, April 28, stating that there was “no present intention of making any announcement” and approving Robertson’s travel plans. (Department of State, Central Files, 711.5800/4–2155)↩