Office of the Historian

62. Telegram From the Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in the Republic of China1

Washington, January 30, 1955—4:18 p.m.

418. For your information following is preliminary draft statement received from Chinese Embassy January 29, [28]2 proposed for release when withdrawal from Tachens begins:

“In view of the repeated and continuing acts of aggression by the Chinese Communists as evidenced by their renewed attacks on the offshore islands since September 3, 1954, and by their recent seizure of Yikiangshan Island, the Chinese Government after consultation with the United States Government, has decided to redeploy its garrison forces on the Tachen Islands with a view to consolidating its overall military position and to more effectively dealing with further attacks by the Communists. This step to be carried out for strategic reasons does not affect the civil administration on these islands, which will continue to carry out its duties and functions as heretofore under the authority and supervision of the Government.

“The Government of the United States, whose association with the Republic of China as ally for many years has been further strengthened by the recently concluded Mutual Defense Treaty between [Page 173] the two countries now pending ratification in the United States Senate, has offered its aid and assistance in carrying out our plan of redeployment. This friendly offer to the Chinese Government has been accepted.

“In furtherance of the close cooperation between our two countries in the securing and defending of Taiwan (Formosa) and Peng Hu (the Pescadores), the Government of the United States has indicated to the Chinese Government its decision also to join in the defense of such related positions and territories the safeguarding of which is essential in assuring the defense of Taiwan and Peng Hu. The Chinese Government has expressed its welcome to this decision on the part of the United States Government, which it regards as an added proof of the solidarity of the two countries in promoting freedom and peace in the Asian and Pacific area and the general cause of the free world.”

Secretary has read statement and indicated he saw no objection to it. Department has suggested change of penultimate sentence as follows: in place of “which is essential” substitute “which Government of United States deems essential”. Yeh concurs. However, Yeh does not wish you to quote above draft statement to Chiang since it has not been cleared with him.

Hoover
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 793.00/1–3055. Secret; Priority; Limited Distribution. Drafted and approved in CA. Repeated for information to USUN.↩

  2. The draft statement, which bears a notation that it was received from the Chinese Embassy at 8 p.m. on January 28, is filed with a memorandum of January 29 from Dulles to Robertson which reads as follows:

    “On reflection and in view of the President’s statement this morning, I think it questionable whether he should issue a further statement on Monday. I believe that the Nationalists should quickly issue their statement so as to do so under cover of Congressional action and the President’s statement of today. I do not believe they will find a better time to combine good news with bad.

    “Will you not urge them to get out their statement quickly?” (Ibid., 793.00/1–2955)

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