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

793.00/8–2654: Telegram

No. 263
The Chargé in the Republic of China (Cochran) to the Department of State¹

secret

Taipei, August 26, 1954—3 p.m.

138. Department pass CINCPAC, Army, Navy, Air. Foreign Minister Yeh has expressed to me concern over possibility attack by Chinese Communists on so-called offshore islands (Tachen, Kinmen, etc.). Pointed out Chou En-lai’s threats to enter Korean war if UN Forces crossed 38th Parallel were discounted and ignored, but were not simply words as events proved. Felt present situation similar.² Considered all-out attack on Formosa unlikely; felt assault offshore islands more probable. Pointed out difficulty supplying adequate air protection Tachen and NGRC Naval vessels in area, as flight there takes hour and half so planes arrive after Red planes have completed their runs and departed. Furthermore, NGRC planes then have limited flying time over Tachen before necessary begin return flight.

Foreign Minister stated firmly Chinese Government plans “defend islands come what may”, indicating this decision influenced partially by desire convince some skeptics in US that NGRC troops will fight. Yeh continues that Chinese Government did not want expend all its military capital in defense these islands, but hoped prove to Chinese Communists that cost of taking them too high to be worth paying.

Yeh said recognized political difficulties of US including these islands in defense area Formosa, and difficulty of our extending direct aid in event of Chinese Communist attack. However, he wondered what indirect assistance NGRC could expect. Explaining he had no specific answers to this question in mind, he wondered if should Chinese Nationalist fliers be shot down US Naval vessels Formosa patrol would rescue. Also made plea for US speed up maximum possible delivery Sabre-jet planes to NGRC Air Force.

Cochran

1. Repeated for information to Tokyo for Rankin.
2. A number of statements calling for the “liberation” of Taiwan were issued from Peking in August 1954, including a report on foreign affairs made by Chou En-lai on Aug. 11 to the Central People’s Government Council, which alleged that the United States and “the traitorous Chiang Kai-shek group” had been conducting negotiations for a mutual security treaty, and a declaration adopted on Aug. 22 by the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference; the texts of the report and the declaration are printed in a supplement to People’s China, Sept. 1, 1954.