121. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Republic of China0
754. Eyes only Charge. You should request early appointment with President (or in event he is not available Vice President) and inform him as follows: (1) GRC is of course aware evidence of large build-up of Chinese Communist forces in Fukien Province. Very real possibility exists that Chinese Communists intend full scale attack against some of offshore islands. (2) In this situation it is most important that GRC not give Communists any pretext for such attack either by any public statements by GRC officials or by any GRC actions. (3) US will of course expect to [Page 251] consult closely with GRC on appropriate measures to be taken in light of developing military situation.1
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 793.00/6-1962. Secret; Priority: Drafted by Yager; cleared by Allen Evans, Deputy Director for Research in the Bureau of Intelligence and Research, and in draft by Harriman; and approved by Rice.↩
- Clough reported in telegram 991 from Taipei, June 21, that President Chiang was ill but that he had an appointment with Vice President Ch’en on June 22. (Ibid., 793.00/6-2162) He reported in telegram 995, June 22, that he had seen Ch’en, who “assured me GRC would act very carefully and would not provide Chinese Communists with pretext for attack.” Ch’en declared that the Chinese Communist buildup might be for offensive or defensive purposes and urged that the United States and the GRC should increase their alertness and prepare for the possibility of aggressive action. (Ibid., 793.00/6-2262)↩