247. Telegram From the Ambassador in the Republic of China (Rankin) to the Department of State1
803. Admiral Stump departed today after three-day visit devoted entirely to military affairs until in final conversations this afternoon President Chiang brought up important question involving policy. Foreign Minister Yeh, General Chase and I also present.
Chiang expressed appreciation Stump’s assurances of continued US support and high priority to be given Free China’s MDAP requirements. Then he referred to recent US refusal concur in bombing by CAF of new Communist airfields under construction in Fukien. Said he would comply with US wishes for time being but when enemy airfields become operational it would be within inherent right of self-defense to attack them.
I referred to importance of not striking first blow as emphasized during recent Radford-Robertson visit, unpleasant as it might be to wait for enemy to attack. Admiral Stump pointed out that appearance of MIGs on nearby Communist airfields did not necessarily imply hostile intent; they might be intended for defense. While desirable militarily to bomb airfields before enemy struck, he said, there could be offsetting political considerations.
[Page 562]President said he would consider concentration of fighters on these fields sufficient evidence of hostile intent. I observed matter was complex and must be considered carefully from every angle. From purely military standpoint, prospective accomplishments of Chinese Air Force fighter-bombers must be weighed against probable losses.
In conclusion Chiang said he would do nothing “provocative”.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 793.5/5–1155. Secret. Received at 10:21 a.m. Passed to CINCPAC by the Department at the Embassy’s request. Repeated to Paris for Robertson by the Department as Tosec 32, May 11. (Ibid.)↩