893.00/4–1047: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 10—8:43 a.m.]
780. Following is Taipei’s 66, April 8:
“In interview yesterday with Commissioner of Secretariat on other matter, I mentioned a recent Nanking broadcast that plans being pushed at Taipei for change to provincial government system with Formosans having Chinese advisers or vice versa filling principal posts. He said change-over plans already drawn up but was noncommittal re extent of future Formosan share in important Government positions, referring only to statements of general principle that he will recommend employing as many qualified Formosans as possible. Decision on local government readjustments will not be made until Pai can report to Gimo on latter’s return from present trip.
Government program of large scale seizures and executions apparently completed in urban areas. No evidences of any systematic campaign to round up Formosans who fled to mountains. Conditions outwardly calm but sentries remain important points. Basic situation marked by mutual resentment and mistrust which on Formosan side could give rise to further uprisings if troops withdrawn. Chen Yi has ordered mainland officials remain at posts and not quit Taiwan.
American UNRRA doctor just returned from trip along entire west coast compiled statistics indicating Government report of 1,000 mainlanders casualties probably greatly exaggerated. He reports Formosans he talked with pursuant his medical duties, while becoming resigned to idea of prolonged Chinese subjection, are reluctant to abandon hope of UN intervention and stated ‘U. S. made mistake in handing over Taiwan to China’.”
Embassy is forwarding by despatch General Pai’s statement, with comment upon his Taiwan mission. His statement was characterized by use of enough known facts to give specious air of plausibility to his defense of Government action in Taiwan affair.
Embassy has taken occasion to acquaint numerous Chinese officials, including Foreign Minister,24 with background of situation as known to us. Embassy has also prepared a lengthy factual memorandum on situation which together with Chinese text thereof will be handed to Gimo by me upon his return to Nanking, in order that he may have an unprejudiced account of whole affair.
- Wang Shih-chieh.↩