894A.00/10–2949: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Strong) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 31—3:44 a. m.]
Cantel 1248. October 26 Chu Chang-wei in conversation at Embassy said a Chinese Communist offensive against Taiwan would be mounted “soon” and although many Communists had been killed in Chinmen Tao battle they had secured beachhead and Nationalists would lose Chinmen before long. Accordingly he urged US decision on Taiwan policy (Cantel 1221, October 2341) in view length time required for negotiations with Chinese Government and implementation agreement. He reiterated President Li preferred see Taiwan in hands of friendly country to its capture by Communists.
At military conference held few days ago at Hainan, according to Chu, “former” Chief of Staff Ku Chu-tung told Pai Chung-hsi that Generalissimo had decided appoint him Minister National Defense. Said to have replied “too late “, that he could now accomplish nothing. Chu said President Li has also lost enthusiasm for this appointment.
Conference of most military men in Nationalist China being convened here soon is to determine over-all defense strategy, Chu stated.