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

961.53/6–2254: Telegram

No. 222
The Ambassador in the Republic of China (Rankin) to the Department of State¹

top secret

Taipei, June 22, 1954—5 p.m.

702. I learn from Chinese sources their Navy being instructed seize 3 Soviet tankers should they pass vicinity of Formosa on voyage north. Present position between Singapore and Manila. Cargo reportedly 27,000 tons jet fuel. Request Department give most careful consideration to following points based on information available here:

1. Chinese legal case for recent seizures Polish ships appears uncertain enough while similar action against Soviet vessels on high seas would seem indistinguishable from piracy.

2. It will be generally assumed in this part of world at least that Chinese Navy would have little chance of locating these ships without US help.

3. Another general assumption will be that President Chiang would never order such seizure unless information re location had come through US official channels (presumably ALUSNA Taipei) with consequent implication that US approved interception.

4. Soviet ships may well be given air cover from China mainland.²

Rankin

1. Also sent to CINCPAC.

2. The Department replied in telegram 946 to Taipei, June 23, approved by Murphy, which reads:

   “Department has no information which would support assumptions stated in points two and three your 702. Matter is not responsibility of this Government and you should refrain from influencing Chinese Government in this matter. You should avoid discussions which might lend color to the unwarranted assumptions which you mention. US personnel should avoid open interest in or association with this incident.” (961.53/6–2254)