227. Telegram From the Secretary of State to the Embassy in the Republic of China1
547. Please deliver following message from President to President Chiang Kai-shek. Confirm date and time delivery.2
“December 26, 1956
Dear Mr. President:
I appreciate very much your generous expressions of congratulation on my re-election extended to me in your letter of December 11,3 which was brought by Foreign Minister Yeh. It is gratifying to know that in carrying out my responsibilities in the difficult years ahead I can rely not only on support at home, but also on the understanding cooperation of staunch allies abroad.
I believe we are in agreement that the world situation today, and for the next few years, presents both serious dangers and challenging opportunities. Recent developments in the European Soviet bloc afford ample evidence that the oppressed peoples are beginning, little by little, to shake loose the iron control of their Communist rulers. Once started, such a popular movement is extremely difficult to halt or reverse.
The present difficulties in the Communist world demonstrate the weaknesses of the Communist system. In those weaknesses lies the hope that the people now suffering under Communist dominion can eventually gain their freedom without direct military action by the free world. We must recognize, of course, that the portentous changes taking place in the Soviet bloc, and indeed within the Soviet Union itself, while giving cause for hope, do carry risks of erratic Communist ventures. Therefore, during this critical period it is necessary for the countries of the free world to remain calm but steadfast [Page 463] fast in their dedication to the principles of the United Nations Charter, which we all uphold.
The free countries must maintain their military strength, encourage healthy economic development and fortify their will to remain independent. It is important also to minimize differences between them which frequently tend to serve Communist ends. With greater progress toward these objectives, we can, I believe, face the future with confidence.
We do not yet see within the Communist-dominated parts of Asia the same degree of unrest apparent in Eastern Europe. Yet, I believe that if we persevere in our present firm policy, particularly with respect to the Chinese Communists, we can confidently expect to see in the Far Eastern area also, a growing rebelliousness among the captive peoples which their Communist rulers will, in the end, be unable to contain. We must be prepared to take advantage of any such developments in an appropriate manner when the time arrives. I am confident that the continued close cooperation of our two countries will contribute to this end.
In order to develop effective policies in the countries of the free world, it is of the greatest importance that we understand fully each other’s viewpoints. It is particularly helpful to know how Asian leaders themselves view developments in that area of rapid change. I appreciate, therefore, receiving your frank assessment of the Far Eastern situation and I hope that we can continue, from time to time, to exchange ideas on this subject.
Mrs. Eisenhower and I extend to you and Madame Chiang our best wishes for a happy and successful New Year.
Sincerely yours, Dwight D. Eisenhower”.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 793.00/12–2656. Secret; Priority; Presidential Handling. Drafted in S/S, cleared by General Goodpaster in the White House, and approved for transmission in S/S by Greene.↩
- Ambassador Rankin reported, in telegram 731 from Taipei, December 28, that he delivered the message on December 28. (Ibid., 611.90/12–2856)↩
- Document 219.↩