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

177. Letter From President Eisenhower to President Chiang Kai-shek¹

Washington, May 17, 1956.

Dear Mr. President: I am indeed grateful for your solicitude and your warm remarks concerning my health, which prefaced your letter of April 16th.² Secretary of State Dulles has told me of the cordial hospitality which you so generously showed him on his recent visit. I was glad to hear from him that you are well and in good spirits.

I have studied your thoughtful analysis of the world situation contained in your letter. In this period of change and ferment in the Far East, it is very helpful to have the candid views of Asian leaders, particularly those of our staunch allies in the struggle against Communist aggression. As you know from your recent conversations with Secretary Dulles, there are many points at which our views coincide with yours.

Your Government has a unique role in Asia as the only government which can contest with the Chinese Communists the allegiance of the Chinese people, both those on the mainland and overseas. The American people recognize the importance of that role and have contributed in various ways to assure that the Government of the Republic of China remains strong and independent. I am convinced that the opportunity may arise for your Government to provide leadership to people on the China mainland seeking to free themselves from the yoke of Communism. In the meantime, I feel sure that the close and fruitful cooperation of the past few years between our two Governments will continue. You can rely upon my intention to do what I appropriately can to safeguard the international position of your Government and ensure that it remains economically and militarily strong.

I do not believe it would be in the best interests of our two countries to espouse the use of force to solve the difficult problem of Communist control of the China mainland. We do not consider that to invoke military force is an appropriate means of freeing Communist-dominated peoples and we are opposed to initiating action which might expose the world to a conflagration which could spread beyond control.

I have been greatly encouraged by the growing strength of the Free World. The shift in Communist tactics which this has brought about must be met with carefully planned actions, vigorously applied. If we preserve our faith in the ideals of freedom and apply ourselves with energy and fortitude, I am confident we can surmount the challenge implicit in the new Soviet posture.

Sincerely,³

1. Source: Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, International Series. Transmitted to the Embassy in Taipei for delivery to President Chiang Kai-shek in telegram 693, May 18. Drafting information on the file copy of the telegram indicates that it was drafted by Eugene McAuliffe, Chief of the Reports and Operations Staff of the Executive Secretariat, cleared in FE by Robertson, and approved by President Eisenhower. (Department of State, Central Files, 711.11–EI/5–1856)
2. Document 169.
3. Printed from an unsigned copy.