20. Telegram From the Embassy in the Republic of China to the Department of State0
99. At regular country team meeting this morning there was general agreement that ChiCom shooting down yesterday near Tungshan Island of two GRC F–84 planes on routine patrol flight has worsened an already tense situation here. GRC is not only uneasy over what are regarded as unfavorable Middle East, Cambodian and Indonesian developments, but agitated over indications of growing ChiCom belligerence toward Taiwan as witnessed by mass mainland demonstrations of late and moves to strengthen Red military capabilities opposite Taiwan. These include unconfirmed reports that Reds are shuttling aircraft between Manchuria and Southeast China and basing aircraft on Swatow northeast airfield.
Admiral Doyle reported Defense Minister Yu Ta-wei told him this morning that situation is “getting tense”, that it might provide opportunities for those wanting to return to mainland to start something, and that he was urging restraint and caution. Yu told Doyle that basing of MIGs at Swatow or other coastal air fields would be “serious matter” and would denote Red intentions to move toward offensive position that could jeopardize off-shore islands or lead to air warfare. Yu suggested to Doyle that US bring in squadron of modern fighters for psychological purposes. Doyle told Yu he would report conversation to CINCPAC.
It was consensus of country team that psychological move of sort suggested would be useful, but need could be met by regularly scheduled quarterly deployment of unit of F–100s due here August 4, followed two weeks later by unit of all-weather fighters. It was also felt consideration should be given to publicizing these flights of US aircraft to warn Reds and induce calming effect among local populace.
There was general agreement that yesterday’s incident will stimulate GRC to ask for more modern aircraft. General Dean1 reported two remaining groups of F–84s are expected to be replaced by F–86s by end of year. Latter could cope with MIG 15s, but would have difficulty with MIG 17s and 19s (no confirmation here that 19s are on mainland). Meanwhile, in view of growing international tension, recommendation is going forward that provision of F–100s to GRC, now two years away, be accelerated.
[Page 34]View was expressed at country team meeting that present international situation may provide Reds with opportunity and pretext to occupy coastal airfields and with capability to interdict off-shore islands. It was conclusion of team that such a move on part of Reds could have grave consequences, including possibility CAF might bomb such airfields as emergency self-defense measure. In this connection, Commander CAF has informed General Dean CAF is ready for action, but would not act without orders from above.
I believe time has come for us to face up to possibility Reds will soon occupy coastal airfields, followed by actions by Reds or GRC that will lead to hostilities. My colleagues and I would welcome Washington estimate of situation and guidance. Meanwhile, it would appear highly useful if ways could be found publicly to let Reds know of our continuing support of GRC in terms of defense treaty and to warn them of risks of extending their activities into Taiwan strait area.