Office of the Historian

49. Telegram From the Chief of Naval Operations (Carney) to the Commander in Chief, Pacific (Stump)1

Washington, January 28, 1955—11:05 a.m.

281605Z. Exclusive and eyes only to Stump and Pride from Carney. The President, in most serious vein, has emphasized to civilian and military defense leaders the gravity of the Formosan situation and stressed the fact that events in that area have great significance with respect to delicate and important diplomatic and political factors.

His objective is the averting of war and his publicly stated intent to personally retain control of the initiation of combat operations, other than self defense, is assurance to our countrymen and our friends against impulsive action by field commanders. My confidence in your sanity and judgement is such that I would not feel it necessary to remind you of the fact that the significance of the Formosan situation at this time is preponderantly political rather than military; however, I want you to have the feel of the President’s leadership and his thinking and I want to emphasize the importance of instilling in your subordinates the restraint and understanding which will surely guide them in the direction of the President’s policies.

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There will also be great need for sound judgement in the event that we cover an evacuation from the Tachens and in the further event that our efforts are opposed by Red China forces. I consider that the pertinent provisions of your OP plans are correct and consonant with the President’s views and there is no minimizing of your duty to take whatever action may be necessary for the security of your forces. However, even though attack at source should be essential as a measure of self defense, the political consequences of such action could be very grave. Consequently, the decision to initiate such tactics must remain firmly and solely in the hands of the OTC and your procedures for tactical control and direction must be such as to insure against the entrusting of discretion in this matter to tactical subordinates below the OTC. The existing instructions concerning hot pursuit are not modified by this guidance.

  1. Source: Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, Miscellaneous Series, Formosa Area. Top Secret; Priority. Drafted by Carney; also sent to the Commander, Seventh Fleet.↩