790.5/10–2654: Telegram
No. 360
The Ambassador in the Republic of
China (Rankin) to the Department of
State
303. Limit distribution. For Robertson FE. President Chiang asked me see him yesterday and inquired whether I had any further news re proposed New Zealand resolution calling for termination hostilities around off-shore islands. Replied I had heard nothing since Secretary’s October 14 message to President.1 Chiang said he would answer Secretary’s message shortly.
Referring October 13 conversations with Robertson he remarked that under circumstances existing when Assistant Secretary made trip to Taipei it understandable US should regard New Zealand resolution as worthy of discussion. Subsequent events, however, changed situation radically Chiang believed, particularly joint statement issued in Peiping October 11 [12] and Soviet resolution in UNO October 15. He said if New Zealand resolution introduced now, it would appear to have been prompted by above Soviet resolution and as effort to appease Reds undertaken at US behest. Chiang could not comprehend how US could continue give favorable consideration to New Zealand project.
Urgency of announcement US intent negotiate defense pact with Free China was stressed once more by President Chiang.
- See telegram 237 to Taipei, Document 344.↩