67. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Republic of China1
493. Embtels 3932 and 381.3 Department considers Chiang Kai-shek visit to US inadvisable at this time. Chiang clearly plans seek stronger US support for GRC activities against mainland than we could agree to and would go home disappointed. Visit prior to 19th GA vote on Chirep would stir unhelpful speculation and could appear as desperate step taken in weakness. Effect on GRC position during upcoming critical GA could be seriously adverse.
Chiang visit to attend inauguration (Embtel 393) not feasible. White House seeking restrict attendance inaugural ceremonies to diplomatic Chiefs of Mission resident Washington in accordance past practice.
Suggest you take appropriate opportunity tell Chang Chun we pleased to learn President Chiang might be prepared come to US to confer with President Johnson and that we of course share desire for closest possible top level consultation between our two Governments, especially in difficult days that may lie ahead. However, timing of visit of utmost importance. We fear that Presidential visit US when crucial Chirep vote impending in GA would be misconstrued as sign of weakness and hurt GRC position. If Chang Chun presses matter, you might tell him it difficult to foresee at what precise time it will be possible to extract maximum advantage from visit but this should be clearer after 19th GA over.4
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 7 CHINAT. Secret; Limdis. Drafted by Bennett on November 17; cleared by Fearey, Samuel L. King of O/CPR, Sisco, Llewellyn E. Thompson, Green, and Komer; approved by William Bundy. Also sent to USUN.↩
- Telegram 393 from Taipei, November 10. (Ibid.)↩
- Telegram 381 from Taipei, November 7. (Ibid., DEF 12–1 CHICOM)↩
- Wright reported in telegram 468 from Taipei, November 26, that he had given Chang the Department’s views. (Ibid.)↩