961.53/8–1654: Telegram
No. 254
The Chargé in the Republic of China
(Cochran) to the Department of State
115. Took advantage meeting with President Chiang this morning when presenting General Partridge1 FEAF to raise question Tuapse. Conveyed to President sense of Department’s telegram 84, August 5. Reinforced this by reference to letter just received from Ambassador Rankin2 saying should leave President in no doubt this represented unanimous opinion State, Defense, CIA, et cetera. President smilingly remarked Chinese Government had received no protest and felt Russia had acquiesced in seizure by default. I replied that Soviets obviously couldn’t protest direct to a government they did not recognize, but that they had certainly made their displeasure clear to US. President replied they “barking up wrong tree”. He added matter required further consideration and said he had not been aware of American viewpoint.
I professed puzzlement since I had at least three times made our position quite clear to Foreign Minister. (On each occasion Foreign Minister later assured me President informed in writing.) President concluded remarking Chinese policy would not differ from that of US and requested that his comments be forwarded Department. He repeated this request later.
While am no expert in working Generalissimo’s mind, I think he was fencing during translations to impress Air Force group and that final remark may presage early action.