961.53/7–1354: Telegram
No. 230
The Chargé in the Republic of China
(Cochran) to the Department of State
priority
37. Substance Deptel 24, July 9 regarding release Soviet tanker Tuapse was conveyed to Foreign Minister at his home (he has been and still is ill with fever) at 4 p.m. July 10 local time. He commented that he had opposed the seizure from the beginning but President had relied on other advisors. (Believe reference was to military and naval officers on Presidential staff.) Foreign Minister asked if I would provide him gist of Department’s message in writing to show President Chiang. I prepared paraphrase and delivered it to Dr. Yeh at 5 p.m. July 10.
On receipt Deptel 26,1 July 12, 7 p.m., I sought interview with Foreign Minister Yeh but he was still ill and unable see me. At suggestion Foreign Office I went to see Vice Minister Shih2 4 p.m. today who informed me that message regarding Tuapse had reached President Chiang and ship was still being held “pending further investigation”. The implication of ignoring Department’s recommendation for immediate release was clear.
As for Department’s 26 regarding two tankers which left Singapore yesterday, Dr. Shih said the message would be delivered promptly to President. He commented that press reports indicated two Soviet freighters had also sailed simultaneously from Singapore, and remarked that the possible Soviet naval escort of the tankers might not necessarily be surface but could be submarine.
- Telegram 26 to Taipei, July 12, stated that, according to Associated Press reports, two Soviet tankers had that day left Singapore north-bound and that they might have Soviet naval escorts. It instructed the Embassy to inform the Foreign Minister in strict confidence and to point out the “inadvisability” of any interference with the tankers by the Chinese Navy “in view possible grave risks involved.” (961.53/7–1254)↩
- Administrative Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Shih Chao-ying.↩