Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, China, Volume II

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

Washington, February 5, 1955—3:02 p.m.

446. Your 529.² Deliver immediately following note³ in reply to Chinese note of February 5:

“I have the honor to refer to your Excellency’s note dated February 5, 1955, stating that the Government of the Republic of China has decided to withdraw its armed forces from the Tachen Islands for purposes of redeployment and consolidation and to evacuate such civilians as desire to leave these islands, and requesting the United States Government to assist in and to provide protective cover for such withdrawal of its armed forces and evacuation of civilians.

I have the honor to inform your Excellency that the United States Government agrees to extend protection to and assist in the redeployment of the armed forces of the Government of the Republic of China from the Tachen Islands and the evacuation of such civilians as desire to leave those islands.

The United States Government has issued appropriate orders to its military forces in the area to implement this decision.”⁴

Hoover

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 293.9322/2–555. Top Secret; Niact; Limited Distribution. Drafted in CA and approved by Robertson.
2. See footnote 2, Document 88.
3. A copy of the note to Acting Foreign Minister Shen, dated February 6, is in Department of State, Taipei Embassy Files: Lot 62 F 83.
4. Telegram 051923 from the Chief of Naval Operations to CINCPAC, February 5, directed CINCPAC to carry out his Operation Plan 51–Z–55 (dated January 30; see footnote 4, Document 58) and stated, “Atomic weapons will not be employed by U.S. forces unless directed by higher authority.” (JCS Records, CCS 381 Formosa (11–8–48) Sec. 19)