95. Editorial Note
A note to Dulles’ Special Assistant Joseph N. Greene from “jm” reports a telephone conversation on September 16, 1958, at 3:16 p.m. with Max V. Krebs, Special Assistant to Under Secretary Herter. It reads in part as follows:
“Re the Secretary’s phone conversation with Governor Herter regarding several questions:
“Q. How long can the status quo be maintained before pressure from the GRC becomes so great we have to take action beyond what we are now doing?
“A. JCS reports they do not have too much to go on except the two specific indications we have had, i.e. that the Generalissimo estimated about one week and his Minister of Defense estimated about three weeks. On the other hand, General Twining stated it was his feeling the real danger is that the GRC will start some sort of adventure on its own which would have the effect of drawing the U.S. in.
“Q. How long can the supplies on Quemoy hold out assuming there is no cease fire, and resupply continues at the present rate?
“A. JCS estimates food will last indefinitely—ammunition about one month. Further, General Twining wished to stress to us the fact that there has been some improvement in the resupply situation.
“Re alternatives to the actual defense of the Islands—Radford proposal sometime back. Governor Herter took this up with Admiral [Page 198] Hayward who said that they were actively considering whether there were other types of activity which could be undertaken by the United States and that they would hope to have some definite proposals within 24 hours, however, the JCS would, under no circumstances recommend the Radford idea.” (Eisenhower Library, Dulles Papers, General Telephone Conversations)
The “Radford proposal” apparently refers to a proposal put forward by Robertson and Radford during their April 1955 visit to Taiwan; see Document 132.