160. Telegram From the Chief of Naval Operations (Burke) to the Commander in Chief, Pacific (Felt)0
061951Z. CTDC 061230Z.1 Realize CTDC in coordination with Ambassador is doing everything possible to meet objectives my 060045Z.2 There is concern here about future moves of Communists and interpretations that news correspondents (especially those riding convoys) put on GRC and U.S. activities during present cease fire which will affect worldwide support for our two governments’ position. On the one hand we must be particularly careful not to let any sort of schism appear between U.S. and GRC. No wedge should be permitted between our two nations.
On other hand it is equally important not to give the ChiCommies any basis at all for any future allegations or propaganda that U.S. is deliberately provoking hostile actions and would not respond to their cease fire offer by insisting on convoying when ChiCommies in effect have made U.S. escort of convoys unnecessary.
It is to advantage of both our nations for U.S. ships to cease escorting after present convoy returns. Therefore direct all U.S. ships now escorting to resume normal operations in Taiwan Straits ready to resume escort of convoys if ChiCommies resume bombardment or make other types of attack. Unless and until ChiCommies do resume their aggressive actions escort of convoys is not necessary. In view of great interest here request reports in detail of action taken and proposed plans.
Consult with Ambassador as to method of convincing GRC.
- Source: Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, Miscellaneous Series, Formosa. Secret; Operational Immediate. Drafted by Burke. Also sent to COMTAIWANDEFCOM(US) and repeated to COMSEVENTHFLT and CINCPACFLT. A copy is in Department of State, Central Files, 793.00/10–658.↩
- Telegram 061230Z from Smoot, October 6, stated that he was continuing escort activity after taking steps to ensure “discreet employment” of escort ships and aircraft. (Ibid.; see Supplement)↩
- See footnote 4, Document 156.↩