894A.00/3–649: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul at Taipei (Edgar)
35. For Merchant. Urtel 59 Mar 6. While Sun Li-jen reputation good and he believed well disposed toward US, indications his thinking contained in document96 mentioned Tokyo’s 63 Mar 4 to Dept97 (rptd Taipei) offer no grounds for optimism his performance and so far as known his record does not include wide administrative experience. Believe we must keep in mind effort encourage Act Pres replace Chen Cheng this stage might result in appointment person less suitable Chen or Sun since no assurance he would appoint latter. Also indication US interest to Act Pres this time while he attempting negotiate with Comms might in event negotiations successful serve compromise US position. In any event, possibility exists Chen would become disgruntled over efforts remove him and he and his and Gimo followers [Page 298] would sabotage Sun or any other successor. Ur views re foregoing requested.