894A.00/11–449: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Strong) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 4—12:53 p. m.]
Cantel 1258. Accompanied by Rinden, I orally informed President Li at 11 a. m., November 3, US views on Taiwan as given in telCan 739, [Page 408] October 28. On morning same day we requested appointment for afternoon only to learn Li leaving for Kunming at 1 p. m. Li proved willing to see us at once. We spent 80 minutes with him until he left for airfield.
Replying that US views on political and economic situation Taiwan were correct, Li advocated as means raising people’s living standards and allaying unrest separate civil and military administrations for island. This proposal, Li says, he will soon discuss with Generalissimo. He said that if Sun Li-jen were given chief military responsibility, Taiwan would be securely defended.
On grounds Taiwan strategic value to US he proposed US Navy use its harbors as was done at Tsingtao. He felt that presence US warships would deter Communist attack and again averred US could properly claim Taiwan by “right of conquest”. Said would like to see joint Sino-American administration of Taiwan.
Pointing out Taiwan’s strategic importance and great natural resources, notably iron ore, he suggested Sino-American commission control island and develop its agriculture and industry.
He remarked that his suggestions re Taiwan and Hainan approved by majority Legislative Yuan and National Assembly members, including those in Taiwan, and that Hainan officials endorsed his proposal for that island. On this question too he said he will confer with Generalissimo.
Li then went on to express thought that in China there was much division of authority. In US, he said, President automatically is head of his party but not so in China, where Generalissimo as party head not only considered himself in government but even above government. Li then declared Kmt was backbone of government.
At this point arrival of Pai Chung-hsi broke up conversation and Li left for airfield.
Throughout interview Li was very gracious; he gave no sign that US attitude toward Taiwan was less favorable than he expected.
Sent Department Cantel 1258; repeated Taipei 205. Department pass Taipei.