894A.20/10–3149: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Taipei (Taipei)
419. Ur 640 Oct 31. Dept appreciates your views. However, procedure outlined Deptel 412 is based upon NSC decision which in turn embodied views of Dept arrived at after careful consideration all factors. Dept believes Gimo is ultimate real authority on Formosa and [Page 405] that accordingly approach should be made to him. However, as provided in Deptel 412 it is expected that you will independently and informally convey these views to Chen Cheng and Sun Li-jen. For urinfo, Dept fears that if views reach Gimo through medium third party they may be distorted or watered down.
Dept had given careful consideration desirability of making specific suggestions of remedial measures which should be taken in Formosa but decided it preferable at present not assume responsibility of adviser to Chi administration without authority and fears that halfhearted compliance with suggestions would merely involve US more deeply without accomplishing objectives. On whole Dept believes that Chinese, if they can be convinced of need for remedial action, much better qualified decide upon specific steps and method implementation thereof than is US Govt.
However, Dept sees no objection to and some possible benefit your taking occasion your discussion with Chen Cheng to suggest in personal capacity and as ur personal views specific remedial measures as outlined para 3 reftel.
Re penultimate para urtel, for urinfo Dept believes present resources Formosa adequate enable substantial improvement situation and question increased aid less urgent than that effective use present resources. Dept believes increased aid this time rather than encouraging effective use present resources would tend to convince Chinese that efforts their own part not necessary. Dept desires you have in mind this basic thought which underlies present US attitude on Formosa and that you comment thereon whenever in ur view developments Formosa warrant.
Pls request Strong proceed accordance earlier instructions.