Office of the Historian

795.00/6–2453: Telegram

No. 113
The Chargé in the Republic of China (Jones) to the Department of State

confidential
priority
Taipei, June 24, 1953—3 p.m.

1325. Foreign Minister handed me this morning following message for President Eisenhower from President Chiang Kai-shek1 which he requested be transmitted soonest through Department:

“Dear President Eisenhower,

“The extraordinary situation now facing the free nations in Korea demands your wise and decisive leadership more urgently than ever before. My hope for and my concern with an honorable peace is no less than that of yours. What I am most anxious to see is that you would with the most liberal of spirit and the maximum scope of tolerance work for the solidarity of the free nations and consider that solidarity as the primary prerequisite for securing an honorable peace in Korea. Failing the fulfilment of this first condition, I am afraid that the crisis facing the free nations will worsen even if a truce is signed. I have always been a believer in the Oriental classical adage that in order to crush external aggression, internal unity must first be secured. I hope and trust that you share this belief of mine. A mutual security pact between the United States and the Republic of Korea, as I wrote you in a previous message, would, if signed immediately, contribute impressively to the unity of the free nations. This request of the Government of the Republic of Korea, it appears to me, should receive your immediate and most favorable consideration so that the signature of such a pact may precede the signature of any truce arrangements. Such a policy would not only ease the tension that is now daily being heightened in Korea, but would buttress the faith that the weaker nations of the world have been placing in your leadership in the preservation of freedom and liberation from slavery. The future of the democratic countries and the welfare of all mankind at this moment largely depends upon your liberality and tolerance. I fervently pray that Almighty God preserve and protect you in leading the free world to unity and strength.

“Signed Chiang Kai-shek”

Jones
  1. Another copy of this message, dated June 23, was delivered to the Department of State late in the afternoon of June 23 by the Minister-Counselor of the Chinese Embassy. (795.00/6–2353) A copy of the telegram printed here was sent to President Eisenhower on June 24 with a covering memorandum from Dulles. (795.00/6–2353)↩