894A.00/7–1849: Telegram
The Consul at Taipei (Edgar) to the Secretary of State
292. Immediately on return from Baguio via Tainan, K. C. Wu, who was one of four advisers, called on me [to] “give me the whole story”. Seemed worried over some public reactions. Said conference was part of overall effort to emphasize solidarity in and out of China in preparation for further disasters, including loss of Canton. Was not primarily attempt to influence Congress and US public opinion. Generalissimo currently intent on self-help, which advisers trying to temper with realization of need for eventual US aid while supporting initial self-help moves. Wu described China, PI,1 and South Korea as Far East orphans as result State Department inaction but still in US camp and hoping for better treatment.
At Baguio Chinese agreed to approach Siam, PI to approach Indonesia to join union. Burma, India, New Zealand, and Australia will not be approached for time being since they are in British camp; British have separate two-sided policy and approach now might annoy London. Chinese fear that British if crossed may try to influence US against Nationalist Government. As for French Indochina must await determination of Bao2 status. Japan is special problem with question of whether to see Japs or MacArthur which means US; so no action will be taken there.
Chinese wanted title Far East Union but PI committed to Pacific Union. Formal charter will be drafted at early three-party conference using Atlantic Pact, etc., as guides.
[Here follows a section on political conditions at Canton, scheduled for publication in volume VIII.]