Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, China and Japan, Volume XIV, Part 1

793.00/8–653: Telegram

No. 133
The Ambassador in the Republic of China (Rankin) to the Department of State

secret

Taipei, August 6, 1953—noon.

83. Reference Department telegram 76¹ and Navy section Weeka 31, July 31.² During discussion of recently stepped up interception British and other shipping, Foreign Minister asked me to seek Department’s comment. He apparently had in mind possible effect on British attitude toward Chinese Government interests at forthcoming political conference³ and at UNGA.

Above activity by Chinese naval and guerrilla units presumably not unconnected with increased patrolling due to MAAG urging in connection Communist threats to off-shore islands held by Chinese Nationalists.

I am unaware of any recent authoritative American advice to Chinese Government that interception of shipping should be either increased or decreased. However, Ministry National Defense apparently interprets US recommendations re defense of off-shore islands as favoring generally more aggressive policy. Foreign Office questions this interpretation.

Department comment requested urgently.⁴

Rankin

1. Telegram 76 to Taipei, July 30, reported that the Chinese requests transmitted in telegram 51 of July 22 (Document 127) were under urgent consideration by the Departments of State and Defense and that the Chinese Government should meanwhile take all feasible steps to strengthen the defense of the offshore islands. (793.00/7–2853)
2. The Navy section of Weeka 31, an unnumbered telegram from the Army Attaché in Taipei to the Department of the Army, July 31, reported several incidents of interference with British ships during the preceding week. (794A.00 (W)/7–3153) The Weekas, or weekly interagency summary analyses, from the Embassy in Taipei were sent through military communications channels.
3. Reference is presumably to the anticipated political conference on Korea.
4. Telegram 96 to Taipei, Aug. 7, replied that the suggestion in telegram 76 was not intended to relate to the interception of non-Chinese shipping but to encourage the Chinese Government to strengthen the defenses of the offshore islands, especially the Tachens. (793.00/8–653)