893.00/5–1747: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 17—7:30 a.m.]
1080. Minister-Counselor had long talk with Dr. Wei Tao-ming, Governor Designate of Formosa, prior to the latter’s departure on May 13 from Nanking for Taipei. Since Dr. Wei initially volunteered that he knew but little about Formosa and its problems and would spend the first couple of months largely in orienting himself, the opportunity was taken to give him a suitable unvarnished account of past events (see Embassy’s despatch 659, April 21) and possible future prospects. In particular he was warned of the necessity of ending the carpetbag era and insulating Formosa from being dragged [Page 465] into the economic-financial mire which the civil war was creating in China proper. In this connection it was emphasized what benefits in due course would rebound to China if Formosan exports and other assets were for the time being used for rehabilitation of the island. Secondly, he was apprised of the extent to which the Central Government vis-à-vis Formosa was on trial in the eyes of the rest of the world, the manner in which the Government’s case vis-à-vis the Communists was by implication involved and the dangers which were inherent in the Formosan situation. In this latter connection it was indicated that the current state of suspicious quietude which could no doubt extend for a few months should not mislead because if Formosans, according to Embassy’s sources of information, were not given an enlightened share in that govt of the island, underground communist movement would thereby be inevitably created. Dr. Wei in word and attitude gave every appearance of being well-intentioned. Furthermore, he had taken the precaution of obtaining Generalissimo’s consent to a diminution of the number of troops which he proposed to effect as soon as possible.… Dr. Wei indicated that after he had become conversant with the situation he would wish to discuss the question of American advisory aid.
In these circumstances Embassy would like to modify in the light of the above its recommendations contained in Embtel 943, May 1, 6 p.m.,37 re sending a consul to relieve Blake by September at which time he will have completed three years’ continuous service abroad. Embassy believes that the consulate at Taipei should be fully staffed at once and further recommends that there be appointed a high-ranking officer in charge, of broad experience, who would not be concerned with the routine work of the Consulate but who would be free to move about the island and whose main duty would be to consult informally and unofficially with the governor, opportunely to suggest steps and methods calculated to advance the political and economic welfare of the island and to prevent him from becoming a creature of this bureaucracy. The presence and helpful approach of such an officer would keep continually to the fore in China consciousness the American concern at the way island affairs have been going and its determination to be constructively helpful within the scope of our announced general foreign policy. Such an officer would find it useful to have the advice and assistance of a competent Japanese-speaking Far East officer of junior rank, preferably one with Chinese experience.
It seems important to attempt whenever possible to reverse the process now in train in China of encroachment of instability upon [Page 466] stability which, if unchecked, will almost certainly encompass Formosa, despite the wealth of its resources and the abilities of its people. A sine qua non would be the presence in Taiwan of an American official of unusual breadth of mind and skill as well as the appropriate assertion of pressure here where the Government in its fight for existence will be more than tempted to exploit, regardless of ultimate consequences, that island. It seems to Embassy that the next dozen months will be crucial ones for Formosa and it recommends that such an official be sent out as ConGen forthwith. Embassy has in mind such a person as Coert du Bois who has had experience in the east and whose efforts in the Caribbean area would stand him in good stead and suggests that he might be willing to come out of retirement for such a job for say a year’s period.
Regardless of persons named, it seems important, that such a ConGen should arrive in Taipei as soon as possible after the new governor so that he need speak from no less long experience than the latter. Blake wishes to go on statutory leave as soon as possible and Embassy recommends that he proceed when office is properly staffed.
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